Masala Chai Indian Masala Tea Cooking From Heart from www.cookingfromheart.com
Introduction
Chai Masala is a popular Indian drink made with black tea, milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. The word "chai" means tea in Hindi, Urdu, and many other languages, while "masala" refers to a mixture of spices. Chai Masala is a perfect drink for cold and rainy days, as it warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
To make chai masala, you will need the following ingredients:
4 cups of water
4 black tea bags
2 cups of milk
1 cinnamon stick
6 cardamom pods
6 cloves
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1/4 tsp of black pepper
3-4 tbsp of sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions
Here's how you can make chai masala at home:
In a medium-size saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and black pepper into the water.
Reduce heat to low and let the spices steep for 10-15 minutes.
Add black tea bags to the saucepan and let it steep for 3-5 minutes or until the color changes to a rich amber.
Turn off the heat and strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl.
Return the spiced tea to the saucepan.
Add milk and sugar/honey (optional) to the saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer the tea for 5-7 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency and sweetness.
Turn off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
Pour the chai masala into the serving cups or mugs.
Garnish with cinnamon powder (optional).
Enjoy your homemade chai masala!
Nutrition
Chai Masala is a healthy and nourishing drink. Here's the approximate nutritional value of one serving (8 oz) of chai masala made with 2% milk and sugar:
Calories: 120
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 60mg
Why Make Chai Masala at Home?
Chai Masala is a delightful and soothing drink that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. Making chai masala from scratch is easy, inexpensive, and allows you to customize the taste and flavor to your liking. You can adjust the amount of spices, sweetness, and milk to create the perfect cup of chai masala that suits your taste buds. When you make chai masala at home, you know exactly what goes into your drink, and you can avoid the artificial flavors and preservatives that are often found in store-bought chai masala mixes. Plus, making chai masala can be a fun and relaxing activity that you can do with your family and friends.
Chai Masala Variations
Chai Masala is a versatile drink that you can customize to your liking. Here are some variations that you can try:
Decaf Chai Masala
If you're sensitive to caffeine or want to enjoy chai masala before bedtime, you can use decaf black tea instead of regular black tea. The taste and flavor of decaf chai masala are just as delicious and comforting as regular chai masala, without the caffeine jitters.
Vegan Chai Masala
To make vegan chai masala, you can use a plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk instead of cow's milk. You can also use maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia instead of honey or sugar to sweeten the tea.
Spicy Chai Masala
If you like your chai masala extra spicy, you can add more black pepper, ginger, or chili powder to the tea. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Iced Chai Masala
In the summer months, you can enjoy chai masala as an iced drink. To make iced chai masala, prepare the tea following the recipe above, and let it cool to room temperature. Pour the tea into a glass filled with ice, and add a splash of milk and sweetener if desired. You can also blend the tea with ice and milk for a frothy and refreshing iced chai latte.
Tips for Making the Best Chai Masala
Here are some tips to help you make the best chai masala at home:
Use fresh and high-quality spices for the best flavor. You can buy whole spices and grind them yourself for a more intense aroma and taste.
Experiment with different types of tea such as Darjeeling, Assam, or Earl Grey to find your favorite blend.
Don't overheat the milk as it can curdle and affect the texture and taste of the tea.
Adjust the sweetness and consistency of the tea to your liking. You can add more or less sugar/honey and milk to create a thicker or thinner tea.
Store leftover chai masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the tea on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Chai Masala is a delicious and comforting drink that you can make easily at home. With a few simple ingredients and spices, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere and enjoy a flavorful and healthy tea. Whether you like your chai masala spicy, sweet, or creamy, there's a recipe that will suit your taste buds. So, grab your favorite mug and cozy up with a cup of homemade chai masala today!
