Masala Chai from Scratch (Indian Tea)

Ever thought about diving into a spicy, aromatic brew that'll knock your socks off, wake you up, and then give you a cozy hug? Then we're talking about Masala Chai. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this rich concoction is like a badass blend of bold black tea and a bevy of beautiful spices. Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves all join in this harmony, culminating in a drink that’s essentially a hug in a cup, with a swift kick for good measure.

Brewing up Masala Chai from scratch at home is one of those processes that's so simple, you'll wonder why you've ever bought that store-bought stuff. It’s not just about the end result – it’s the whole journey. The way your kitchen fills up with the warming scent of spices as you gently simmer them with the tea. How each sip brings forth layers of flavors, perfectly balanced yet distinct. Trust me, once you go homemade, you'll never look back.

A little extra trivia to add to your tea-time chatter: The word "chai" actually just means "tea" in Hindi, so saying "chai tea" is kind of like saying "tea tea". Funny, huh? Plus, Masala Chai has been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, for its potential health benefits. So, whether you need a morning wake-up call, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a spicy sip before bed, Masala Chai is the tea for you. 🤘🏼Adam

Yield: 2-4 cups of tea

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Masala Chai (Indian Tea)

Cook time: 25 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

• 1 inch knob of Ginger
• 3 inch stick of Cinnamon
• 5 whole Black Peppercorns
• 3 whole Cloves
• 4 whole Green Cardamom
• 3 Tbsp Sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Black “Assam” Tea
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 cup Water

Instructions

1. Start by toasting your spices (green cardamom, black peppercorn, clove, and cinnamon) in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Place the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, and grind them until they form a coarse powder.
3. Char a fresh knob of ginger using a kitchen torch, or broil it in the oven until charred.
4. Mash the charred ginger directly into the ground spices.
5. Transfer the masala mixture to a medium saucepan, then add black Assam tea, water, and whole or skim milk.
6. Heat the mixture on medium, stirring occasionally. The color will deepen as the tea warms up. This process should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
7. Once the tea starts to simmer, let it run for about 5 minutes. Make sure to control the boil to prevent it from boiling over.
8. Stir in sugar, then turn off the heat.
9. Strain the chai into a sealable container and store in the fridge. It should last for about a week.
10. When ready to serve, reheat the chai and enjoy alone or with cookies.