Name: Masala Chai with Cardamom and Ginger
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup Water; 1 cup Whole Milk; 2 tsp Loose Leaf Assam Black Tea; 1 inch Fresh Ginger; 4 pods Green Cardamom Pods; 2 tsp Granulated Sugar

"Experience the soul-warming comfort of authentic Indian Masala Chai, where bold black tea meets the spicy zing of fresh ginger and the floral aroma of green cardamom. This perfectly balanced, creamy beverage is the ultimate treat for cold mornings or cozy afternoons."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
1 cup 240 ml	Water
1 cup 240 ml	Whole Milk
2 tsp 10 g	Loose Leaf Assam Black Tea
1 inch 15 g	Fresh Ginger
4 pods 2 g	Green Cardamom Pods
2 tsp 10 g	Granulated Sugar

2 Instructions

Lightly crush the fresh ginger and cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle to release their natural oils and aromatics.

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add the crushed ginger, cardamom, and loose-leaf black tea to the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the water becomes dark and deeply fragrant.

Pour in the milk and add the sugar. Stir gently to combine.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it starts to rise, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the tea to develop a rich, creamy color.

Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve directly into cups or a teapot. Serve hot with biscuits or snacks.

·
For a creamier chai, use whole milk; if using a dairy alternative, oat milk works best as it holds up well to boiling.
·
To get a frothy top, aerate the tea by lifting a spoonful of the liquid and pouring it back into the pot from a height while it simmers.
·
Always use fresh ginger rather than powder for the most authentic, sharp heat.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?

Yes, you can use 2 to 3 black tea bags (Assam or Ceylon are best), but loose leaf tea generally provides a more robust and authentic flavor.

Is Masala Chai vegan?

This recipe can be made vegan by substituting the whole milk with a creamy plant-based milk like oat or soy milk.

How long can I store the leftover tea?

Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and reheat it gently on the stove.

Why did my tea turn out bitter?

Bitterness usually comes from over-boiling the tea leaves. Ensure you only simmer the leaves for the recommended time before adding the milk.

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