How to Make Chai Tea
How to Make Chai Tea
In its most basic form, chai is black tea that is brewed strong with a combination of spices and is diluted with milk and sugar.
A traditional drink of India and Pakistan, 'masala chai' has become a popular beverage worldwide. While you can easily purchase teabags at your local grocery store, you will achieve a more authentic flavor if you make it yourself, bouquet garni style, using the following method and ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cubic inch of fresh ginger
Black tea - Assam or Darjeeling - enough for 2 cups
1/4 tsp whole fennel seeds
1/8 tsp whole coriander
8 whole cardamom pods
2-4 whole cloves
Sugar to taste
Milk, condensed milk, or half and half to taste
Method
Heat the water in a sauce pan.
Peel and slice the fresh ginger. Add to the water and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Add the black tea. Let simmer for another 2 minutes.
Crush the fennel, cardamom, and coriander in a mortar and pestle. Add to the water and let simmer for about 6 minutes.
Crush the cloves and let simmer for another 2 minutes.
Add sugar and milk to taste, and raise to the boiling point.
Strain with a strainer or coffee filters (or paper towels in a pinch) and serve piping hot.
Brewing chai is fun and allows you to experiment until you get it 'just right' for your personal taste.
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