Indian Tea is a frothy, rich, milky, deep-colored, steaming hot, flavorful beverage. Brew this Desi masala chai at home using homemade chai masala.
The word 'Chai' evokes many emotions
Chai (tea) is not just a beverage for us Indians, just like coffee. There is a lot that happens over tea and our world seems to revolve around it from the crack of dawn till midnight. For Indians, tea is an excuse to chat with someone longer or to help break the ice. We can have tea on any occasion - happy or sad. When we have guests over, the first thing that is served besides water is tea or coffee. Intense discussions at work happen over tea breaks. Couples begin their first date with tea or coffee. Lots of bright ideas are conceived while drinking tea and late-night parties always end with a cup of chai no matter how sleepy you are! Tea is not just served in homes but it is also an integral part of the Indian street food scene. If you have ever visited India, you would, most likely, have noticed a chai stall in almost every other street, where huge vessels full of tea simmer away merrily! These stalls are often small, rustic with just some benches outside and they have probably been there for generations, serving tea along with Khari (a teatime snack) to people passing by. Clearly, tea is an important component of our Indian cuisine. Did you know, our current Prime Minister of India - Mr. Narendra Modi used to be a tea seller at a railway station?
After using this milk in my smoothies and noticing the difference, I wanted to try the most basic recipe made with milk that we Indians love - Chai. Although it is an everyday beverage, the recipe and technique may differ in every household. Some like their tea burning hot, while some prefer it warm. Others like to over boil the milk while some take it off the flame at the first boil. Still, others add ginger, some add chai masala and some like us add both! It was my neighbor's son who first taught me how to make chai. He had told me back then that we need to let the milk along with all the other ingredients come to a boil first and then continue to boil it for a bit longer. I still follow this method whenever I make Chai. KR loves to drink Chai and I make it for him. I will share with you my recipe which I have mastered over the years. First, we need to prepare the chai masala. You can prepare this masala in advance and store it in an airtight container, then use it as needed. Add peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon to a mixer grinder. Grind all the spices together into a fine or coarse texture. Chai masala is now ready. In a pan, add a2 milk, sugar, water, tea leaves, and chai masala. Cook on medium flame and bring to a boil. Then add grated ginger.
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Lower the flame and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until you see the color change to a darker shade and a thin layer of milk skin starts setting on top. Strain the tea and serve it right away with some biscuits, toast, or any tea-time snack.
Here are some snacks that pair well with tea - Edamame Hara Bhara Kebab, South Indian Medu Wada | Lentil Fritters, Moong Dal Bhajiya/Lentil Fritters, Copycat Olive Garden Cheesy Fried Ravioli, and Bombay Special Vada Pav.
If you are looking for a dessert that is chai flavored, do check out this Chai Cheesecake Jars recipe.
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Recipe 📖
How To Make The Perfect Indian Masala Chai | Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
Chai Masala
- 0.25 oz cinnamon
- 0.55 oz green cardamom
- 0.30 oz cloves
- 0.30 oz peppercorns
Chai
- 1.5 cups a2 milk
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 teaspoon sugar
- ½ tablespoon chai masala
- 2-3 tablespoon tea leaves
- 2 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
Chai Masala
- You can prepare this masala in advance and store it in an airtight container, then use as needed.
- Add peppercorns, cloves, cardamon and cinnamon to a mixer grinder. Grind all the spices together into a fine or coarse texture.
- Chai masala is now ready.
Chai
- In a pan, add a2 milk, sugar, water, tea leaves and chai masala.
- Bring to a boil over medium flame.
- Add the grated ginger.
- Lower the flame and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until you see the color change to a darker shade and a thin layer of milk skin starts setting on top.
- Strain the tea and serve it right away with some biscuits, toast or any tea-time snack.
Aphra A2 says
Thank You For This Amazing content.
Priya says
Thank you.
Kristen says
I absolutely love chai and have such fond memories of drinking many sweet cups in India but have never been able to recreate it at home. This recipe is perfect! Thank you!
Tynia Peay says
Chai tea is my run to for morning headaches. It seems to soothe them perfectly. But I’ve never attempted to make it myself. Thanks for this incredible recipe!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Chai is my all time favorite! This was so easy to make and tastes amazing!
Morgan @ Host the Toast says
There's nothing as delicious and comforting as chai! (Love this beverage caddy by the way).
Anita says
Yum, I love a good masala chai tea, and this homemade version from whole spices is one of the best way to prepare a nice cup of masala chai tea. 🙂
Jatin Arora says
Amazing! This is one of my favorite beverage. I will try A2 milk for my morning tea. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Mary Bostow says
Love, love, love this Masala Chai. It feels like a warm hug. Thanks
Elaine says
Mmmm, this would be perfect on a weekend morning with a big batch of my favorite cookies - yum!
Sara Welch says
What a fun recipe! I have never made anything like this before, but you've inspired me to give this a try!
Neha says
Your pics want me to reach for a cup of tea right away. Delicious recipe! I need to try A2 milk somtime now!
trisrose says
A delicious and simple beverage - I even had everything in my cabinet and kitchen to whip it up - except the A2 milk which I am so curious to try now. Sounds amazing