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4 MINS delivery
Masala Tea
Serves 4
15 mins
90 Kcal
Masala tea, or masala chai, is a spiced Indian tea made by combining the essence of black tea leaves with aromatic spices for just the right mix of flavours and a warm drink. Traditionally it is brewed by boiling water, milk, black tea, and a blend of spices together. The spices may vary, but generally, those used are cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns in this mixture. Sweetly floral, this is the taste of cardamom, while cinnamon warms it up and gives depth. Cloves and black peppercorns add a sense of spiciness, ginger a sharp, pungent kick. Further variations involve a bit of fennel seeds or nutmeg to add extra richness to the brew. The preparation is very easy: boil water with spices allowing them to give away their essential oils; then add black tea leaves, milk, and sugar. The spices and milk become thoroughly mixed with the tea by simmering it for a few minutes. The tea is now strained off from whole spices and tea leaves and is ready as a smooth, spiced tea. Masala tea recipe forms a vital part of the culture of India and is taken early in the morning, especially when people have breakfast or afternoon tea with some snacks. With the strong tea and warming spices mixed in, it can be a perfect drink for colder climates or to warm and revive. Masala is also very famous for its soothing properties and is mostly used in the energy form thanks to ginger and other spices, ready to combat common colds.
Ingredients required for Masala Tea
- 2 tsps black tea leaves
- 1 tsp (grated) ginger
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cloves
- 1/4 tsps black peppercorns
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cooking steps for Masala Tea
- 1To begin the recipe of masala tea, all the ingredients will need to be gathered. The base of the drink contains 2 cups of water, which needs to be boiled and poured into a saucepan. Boiling is important because the flavours need to be released from the spice. After the water begins boiling, add 1 teaspoon of fresh, finely grated ginger. The ginger in the tea is so warm and zesty that it makes this a comfortable drink during cold weather.
- 2Now add in your spices which will flavour your masala chai.
- 3Add 2 crushed green cardamom pods for their sweetness and floral notes, then add in 1 small cinnamon stick for warmth.
- 4Finally, add 4 to 5 whole cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of black peppercorns for a smooth warmth.
- 5Let this brew boil for about 2-3 minutes, which is what infuses the water with the robust flavours these spices hold. This is the profile basis for your aromatic masala tea.
- 6When the spices have had their time of infusing, add the black tea leaves. Use either 2 teaspoons of loose black tea leaves or 2 tea bags as desired.
- 7Add the tea to the boiling mixture and continue with adding 2 cups of milk. From the addition of the milk, there is a creamy texture of the tea and balances the spices in a rich taste.
- 8Stir well so that it mixes the leaves of the tea.
- 9Lower the flame and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes in which all the flavours blend and infuse the tea. The longer you let it simmer, the stronger it will be. According to your preference, that might be a bit stronger than what you want. Meanwhile, the enticing aroma will soon infuse the kitchen, urging everybody to gather around and await the beverage.
- 10Once the tea has simmered the way you would like, it is time for you to add the desired sugar to sweeten the tea. Use 2 Tbsp sugar and adjust to your liking. Stir until the sugar is all dissolved and well-balanced. The sugar balances other aspects of flavour that the spices contribute and the comfort and enjoyment you can achieve with the tea.
- 11Strain the masala tea into cups through a fine mesh strainer to separate the spices and tea leaves. The thorough stirring in this step will result in a smooth texture that is silky and feels silky in the mouth.
- 12Masala tea is served hot and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of mint according to desire. It is perfect to have homemade masala chai with snacks like biscuits, samosas, or pakoras. This drink's warmth and the peace of the soul make it extremely popular among many groups. It is your best friend at the start of the day or the end, after a grueling day when masala tea comes into your hands.