Authentic Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
A popular South Asian beverage that's perfect for cozying up with in winter! Aromatic black tea is brewed with milk, whole spices, and fresh ginger, creating a rich, warm, and punchy flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 green cardamom
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- 1 (2 ½ cm / 1” ) cinnamon stick ceylon or cassia
- a pinch nutmeg freshly grated (optional)
- 1 ¼ cm (~½ ”) knob of ginger sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 teaspoon loose black tea see note 1
- 1 teaspoon jaggery (gur) see note 2
Instructions
- In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the green cardamom, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and cloves to prepare the chai masala.
- In a heat-safe kettle or saucepan, add water, the prepared chai masala, ginger, loose tea leaves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add milk and jaggery to the mixture, stirring well. Bring to a boil, keeping the pot uncovered to prevent spills, then remove from heat. Repeat the boil-and-remove process two more times, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for an additional 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let the chai rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the masala chai through a sieve into cups. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed, and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Loose black tea provides the best flavor; refer to my tea recommendations for preferred brands. If using black tea bags, add 4-5 to compensate for their milder strength.
- If you don’t have or don’t prefer jaggery (gur), you can substitute with brown or white sugar. The quantity in the recipe offers balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust it to taste.
- If your masala chai lacks color, you can add more loose tea or tea bags or let it simmer a bit longer to enhance the depth and richness.
Nutrition
Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 188mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
