Are you eagerly anticipating to try the authentic Indian Masala Chai? This strong smelling and having the pungent odour Masala tea is favorite of many Indians. If you are a tea fan or if people call you “teapot”, then skip drinking tea from tea-stalls. Try the homemade fresh and refreshing tea.
Masala Chai
- Author: Karishma Shah
- Recipe Category: Drinks and Juices
- Cuisine: Refreshers
Description: There are many versions of this authentic masala chai recipe. But the basic ingredients like milk, masala powder, and tea leaves are going to remain same. It the most popular and common beverage recipe of India.
Ingredients for Masala Chai Recipe:
The basic ingredients required for this recipe are commonly available in everyone’s kitchen. The few whole spices which you cannot get to make masala powder can be skipped.
Masala Chai:
- Tea Powder – 2 tsp.
- Milk – 1½ cup
- Water – ½ cup
- Sugar as required
- Chai Masala Powder – ½ tsp.
Note: Adjust the proportion of sugar and milk as per your taste. Some people more milk whereas other like to have milk in less proportion. Also, the proportion of sugar is also dependent on your preference. If you are diabetic, then use sugar-free.
You can use either almond milk or the soy milk but the boiling time will vary for each of these milk. If you are using soy milk then you have to boil it for 2 to 3 minutes and simmer well. Whereas if you are using almond milk, then you have to heat it just for a half a minute as you do not have to boil till it reaches its boiling point.
Chai Masala Powder:
- Cardamom – 2 units
- Cloves – 2 units
- Black Pepper – 4 units
- Ginger – 1 inch
Note: You can add ½ inch cinnamon if you want to the Chai Masala. The addition of nutmeg powder also enhances the taste and flavors of the tea. Small star anise can also be added.
Method for Masala Chai Recipe:
Mentioned below are the detailed steps for making the masala chai at home. If you already have the chai masala then directly follow the steps for making tea or else prepare the masala first.
Masala Powder for Chai:
- Take a mortar and pestle and add crushed ginger, black pepper, 2 cardamom pieces, and 2 cloves.
- Crush these ingredients and make a coarse powder.
- Transfer this powder to the airtight container and close the lid of the container.
Note: This spice mix used to make incredibly tasty masala chai can be pre-made in bulk and stored. You can use it anytime you want to have the tea. You can do the variation in the Masala Powder as per the taste you desire.
Make Masala Chai:
- Take a small pan and keep it on the stove.
- Boil the ½ cup of water over a medium flame for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- When the water is boiled, add the crushed cardamom, cloves, black pepper and ginger in it.
- Wait for the spices to boil along with the water.
- Then add the tea powder to the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Let the tea boil for some time, approximately around a minute.
- Then pour in the 1 ½ cup of milk and add sugar to the tea.
- Stir for some time and bring the tea to a boil.
- Simmer it for 3-4 minutes. This depends on your choice, how much brewing you like.
- Switch off the stove and strain it into a cup with the help of a fine sieve.
And your hot Masala chai is ready to drink.
Note: The saucepan you use for making chai must be hollow with a long handle to hold.
It is very important to add milk at last step when all flavors of masala get dissolved in water. If you are using the warm milk then no need to boil after pouring in the tea. But if you are using the cold milk, then you would have to boil it and let it simmer.
The boiling time for the tea depends on how much strong tea you prefer to have. If you like very strong and dark tea then boil it for longer time otherwise boil for few minutes only.
Additional Information:
- Calories: 95 calories
- Total Time: PT15M
- Serves: 2
- Date Published: 2017-02-01
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The addition of the milk gives the silky and creamy texture to the tea. It is an optional ingredient and you may use the fresh cream as well. Similarly, if you prefer sweet tea, then you can consider adding sugar or else you can skip it. The fascination of the masala chai not only lies in is fragrance and flavors but also in its simple preparation.
To make this tea, you need to get the required elements. Then skillfully pour water into the teapot, set it to boil and add loose tea. Mix the sugar, milk and other spices in the required proportion. Wait till the tea is heated, as it begins to boil (it must rise and fall sharply), grate the ginger. Stir everything and add fresh milk. The tea would become aromatic. Strain it and quickly pour in the mug. Have this hot tea in monsoon and winters.
Take the cup, sit on the sofa and savor your perfect masala tea. The delectable Masala chai can be made with no mess in minutes. This is one beverage which is part of the daily morning routine for many. There are tea addict’s people, who have a headache if they don’t get tea on their time. Even the holy basil leaves used in the tea increases immunity power of the body. Tea is not just good for also for health.
Remarks:
- Total time required for the Masala Chai Recipe is 12-15 minutes
- The measured proportion of makes 2 cups of masala chai which can serve 1 or 2 people.
- You can increase it decrease the amount of spice according to your choice.
- You can even omit any of the spice. The addition of the fresh ginger from the above enhances the taste and flavors of the Masala tea.
- Ready-made chai masala available in the market can also be used.
- Chai Masala can be made in the bulk and stored in an airtight container.
- If you don’t want to make a powder you can use whole spices also.
- The other whole spices you can add are star anise, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, and cardamom pods.
- Instead of ginger, you need to add sonth.
- The ratio of Milk and water depends on your choice. You can increase and decrease accordingly.
Serving Idea:
Pour the tea from the teapot to the tea cup or the plastic cups. Adjust the proportion of sugar as per your desire and give a gentle stir. Carefully hold the edges of a cup having this steaming hot and spicy brew. Slowly take inhale the smell, blow some air to cool the tea and take the first sip cautiously. This is how you typically have the Indian Masala Chai. Mentioned below are ways you have this tea with:
- Serve hot with any biscuits or Buttermilk Rusks.
- You can even have it with some mathri or Kothimbir Vadi.
- Serve hot with any breakfast and or have it with brunch.
- Make a famous combination of chai and Aloo Pakora or Chana Dal Pakora.
Garnish:
Though the aroma of the masala tea itself is tempting, but you can also make the glass or the cup of the Masala Chai look attractive. Garnish the cup of Masala chai with:
- Mint Leaves
- Cardamom Powder
- Sage Leaves
- Whipped Cream
Quick Tip:
- There are tea packets available in the market, you simply have to dip in water or milk.
- You may add some mint leaves or fresh tulsi leaves which infuse the spiciness to your tea.
- Making the tea with the whole spices is more time consuming than with the spice
- You can also make chai concentrate in a large batch and store. Just warm it whenever you want to have tea. (But homemade fresh tea is always best!)
- The dried slices or chunks of ginger are ideal to use for making tea. But you can also use dried ginger powder.
- Always before serving the tea, pour it into the cups with help of mesh strainer to catch the loose tea and spices.
Whether you are a bit joyless, have sulky mood or feeling dull, one cup of masala tea and you are back to energetic mood. If you have cold, cough or an annoying headache, a glass of hot masala chai can cure it all. The warmth of spices and the sweetness of the milk is the combination we all love to have. Every house has its own version of Masala Chai. The term masala refers to the blend of various whole spices. Try to twist with the traditional method of making quick Masala Chai and enjoy the satisfying results.
Apart from the basic green tea or the regular black tea, this Masala chai version of the tea very tasty and delicious. The combination of spice mix powder with tea, milk & sugar instantly refreshes you in just a single sip. This recipe makes a delicious, tempting and a delectable Masala Tea. This creamy, milky, sweet and lightly spiced tea is India’s best-loved beverage!
The taste of the tea is highly dependent on the well-balanced flavor of the Masala Powder you are using. It the spice mix powder, which you can prepare by crushing spices. Make it once and then store it for several weeks in a container and keep it in the kitchen cupboard. The best authentic Masala Chai Recipe uses the freshest of the spices, milk and tea powder. To get the strong flavors of the tea and get the dark texture, it is essential to froth the tea as you prepare it.
Ideal Way to Froth the Tea: There are two preferred methods used for properly frothing the tea:
1) Rapidly keep pouring the tea between the pots in the back and forth manner.
2) Using a ladle, you have to repeatedly draw it up and pour it back in the pot. You have to keep aerating it while making the tea.