Best Silky Masala Chai Recipes

EASY MASALA CHAI RECIPE

Steps:

• Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and cloves to the bowl of a mortar (or cutting board) and use pestle (or heavy pan) to slightly crush the spices. You aren't pulverizing into a powder, just slightly crushing into small pieces (see photo).
• To a medium saucepan add crushed spices, water, and grated (or sliced) ginger and bring to a boil over high heat. (Note: For a less gingery chai, reduce amount of ginger and slice rather than grating). Then reduce heat slightly to medium/medium-low and maintain a simmer for 15 minutes or until it reduces by about one-third.
• Add tea (loose leaf or bags) and dairy-free milk of choice (we love light canned coconut) and lower heat to low. Cover and continue cooking for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then turn off heat and let steep for 5 minutes more (covered) or longer for deeper flavor.
• Add sweetener of choice to taste (we prefer stevia or maple syrup, but sugar is more traditional). Strain through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
• Keep strained, cooled leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a milk frother. Not freezer friendly.

MASALA CHAI (TEA)

Steps:

• Add the whole spices to a mortar and crush them lightly into smaller pieces.
• In a small saucepan on high heat, pour in the water and add the spices. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags or leaves. Lower the heat to a medium to low setting and simmer for two minutes, or until the tea leaves and spices have released flavor and color. Then, pour in the milk.
• Method one - Double Boil:Bring the chai to a boil on high heat, so that it starts aerating and bubbling to the top. Remove the pot from heat until the bubbles come down. Replace the pot on the burner and bring the chai back up again to a boil and remove from heat a second time until the bubbles go back down.Method two - Pulling ChaiAlternatively, use a small cup with a handle or ladle to scoop some of the chai and "pull" it while it's simmering. Start by pouring in the chai at a low height and steadily move up higher while continuing to pour the chai back into the pot to create bubbles. Repeat a few times until the chai is bubbly.
• Continue to simmer the chai until desired consistency and color, about 5-7 minutes. Some of the liquid will have evaporated by now, so the chai will be smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from heat.
• Strain the chai with a sieve into glasses, mugs, or a tea pot. Mix in the sugar according to taste, and serve hot.

INDIAN MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon, or use a coffee grinder.
• Transfer the crushed spices to a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and pepper and bring to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
• Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil.
• Remove from the heat and add the tea.
• Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
• Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.
• Enjoy!

MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• Tie up the cinnamon, cardamon seeds and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it with a string into a bag. Put the bag of spices into a pot with the 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the spices for 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and put the tea leaves (or tea bags) into the hot spiced water and steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth bag and strain the liquid thru a sieve to remove the tea leaves.
• Add the milk, honey and vanilla to the strained chai. Serve hot, or cold over ice.

GINGER CARDAMOM MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• Heat the water in a saucepan.
• Once it starts to boil add the tea powder.
• Meanwhile grind the ginger and cardamom and add it to the saucepan.
• After 3-4 minutes of boiling add the milk allow it to boil for 3-4 more minutes.
• The strength of the tea can be adjusted by the ratio of milk and water.
• Now strain the tea and serve immediately.
• Add sugar according to ones taste.
• The amount of ginger can also be adjusted as per ones taste.

MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• For the infusion, put the cardamom seeds in a pestle and mortar, along with the cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns, and bash to release the oils - you don't want to make a powder. Tip into a pan and stir in the ginger and black tea leaves.
• Pour in 400ml water and bring to a very gentle simmer over a low heat, to allow the tea to infuse before it starts to boil. Stir in the milk and sugar or syrup to taste, and remove from the heat. Leave to infuse for 2 mins before straining into mugs.

SILKY MASALA CHAI

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a pan.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 2-3 minutes (for less strong tea, simmer only 2 minutes).
• Let it set for 2 minutes, then simmer again until hot (for less strong tea, let set for one minute, no need to simmer again, it should still be hot).
• Strain and pour into a mug or tea glasses. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.