OMG, this is so good!! These are the words from a person who has just had their first taste of chai. What is Chai Tea? Let’s start with definitions; “Chai” is the word for tea in many parts of the world, and the term “masala chai,” meaning “mixed-spice tea,” is the proper term when referring to this drink made with milk, black tea, and spices. There really is nothing like a homemade cup of chai. Are you becoming curious? Still asking, what is Chai Tea? And what about that spice blend? Well, to answer these questions, let’s have a closer look at what makes up chai tea and the many benefits it can offer us.

Chai or Masala Chai refers to the well-known spiced tea of India, a potent blend of black tea, herbs and spices that is thought to maintain the body’s overall health.

Chai’s history began thousands of years ago when the Indian people created the Masala or blend of black tea and spices following ancient Ayurvedic medicinal texts. In other words the combination of spices and tea leaf was by no means random, but well thought out, and meant to provide health benefits. Chai was viewed as more of a medicine rather than a pleasant drink. Chai improves digestion, enhances the immune system, fights inflammation and has antioxidant properties. The spices used in chai are also thought to have antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.

Today chai has become an Americanized coffeehouse treat, though usually made from powders, syrups, and teabags. Pre-made chai, however, can never compare to freshly brewed masala chai. Making chai from scratch takes more time, but becomes a ritualistic process and is infinitely more rewarding.

One thing is for certain, every single person in India probably has their own unique recipe and combination of spices they prefer in their masala chai and there is no one “right” way. The recipe you will find below is the most traditionally-based version of masala chai which includes cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and ginger.

                                                                      Home-made Chai Tea recipe makes one serving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water, I use the cup I will be drinking from to measure.
• 3 whole cloves
• 3 green cardamom pods
• 5 peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon from a stick (don’t use powdered).
• 1 thin slice of ginger.
• 1/4 cup of Milk, Half and half, or the milk substitute of your choice.
• 1 tablespoon sweetener, granulated Panela, (a.k.a. piloncillo, jaggery or rapadura) is best.
• 1 teaspoon black tea, I use Brooke Bond Red Label Tea, a blended CTC tea from India.

Instructions

• Using a mortar and pestle crush the cloves, cardamom pods, peppercorns, then add the cinnamon, first breaking it up with your fingers, then with the pestle.
• Cut a very thin slice of ginger.
• In a sauce pan bring the water to boil, add the above spices and reduce heat, simmer for 3 minutes.
• Then in quick succession add the sweetener, black tea, and the milk and stir.
• Turn up the gas and bring just to the point of boiling, then turn it off and allow the tea to steep for another 3 minutes. At this point be careful not to boil the tea as it will become bitter.
• Stir one more time and strain the preparation into your cup.

Find your favorite chair and enjoy.