Imagine walking through the bustling streets of India, where the enticing aroma of spiced tea wafts through the air, beckoning you to take a sip. Welcome to the world of "Chai Masala Stall Style," a beloved beverage that captures the essence of Indian street culture in every warm cup. This delightful concoction combines robust black tea with an aromatic blend of spices, creating a comforting drink that warms the soul and invigorates the senses. Ready to elevate your chai game and impress your friends with a taste of authentic Indian flavors? Dive into this simple yet rewarding recipe that will transport you straight to a chai stall in the heart of India!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
- Gather all the spices: crush the green cardamom pods lightly to release their aromatic oils, break the cinnamon stick into smaller pieces, and grate the fresh ginger.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick pieces, whole cloves, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the spices simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse deeply into the water.
- Add the loose black tea to the spiced water and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the tea releases its robust flavor and color.
- Pour in the milk and add sugar, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat slightly to bring the chai to a near-boil, watching carefully to prevent overflow.
- Reduce heat and let the chai simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the milk to integrate with the spices and tea.
- Remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine-mesh strainer into serving cups, ensuring no whole spices remain in the final drink.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, aromatic blend of spices and tea characteristic of traditional stall-style chai.
Tips
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Adding a pinch of black pepper or a few extra cardamom pods can enhance the flavor profile even more!
- Tea Selection: For the best results, use high-quality loose black tea. Assam or Darjeeling tea works wonderfully, providing a rich base for your chai.
- Milk Matters: Whole milk gives the chai a creamy texture, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version without compromising on taste.
- Sweetness Control: Customize the sweetness to your liking. You can use honey or jaggery instead of sugar for a unique twist.
- Simmering Secrets: Allow the spices to simmer longer for a more intense flavor, but keep an eye on the heat to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
- Straining Technique: Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour, leaving behind any unwanted spice residue for a perfectly clear cup of chai.
- Serve Hot: Chai is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it in small cups to savor every sip and create a cozy atmosphere.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
