Chai tea is a flavorful and aromatic beverage that originated in India. It’s made by brewing black tea with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Traditionally, it’s sweetened with sugar and served with milk. Here’s how to make a classic chai tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1-2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 2-3 whole cardamom pods
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the spices: Lightly crush the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick with the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle. This helps release their flavors more effectively.
- Brew the tea: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the crushed spices, ginger, and black tea. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be.
- Add the milk and sugar: Pour in the milk and add sugar to taste. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves.
- Strain and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea into mugs, removing the spices and tea leaves. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chai tea!
Feel free to adjust the quantity and combination of spices according to your taste preferences. Chai tea is a warm and comforting beverage that’s perfect for cold weather or any time you need a flavorful pick-me-up. Enjoy!
