Name: Masala Chai
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags; 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 1 small cinnamon stick; 3 to 4 whole cloves; 1 small piece fresh ginger, sliced or grated; 2 teaspoons sugar, honey, or sweetener of choice; 2 black peppercorns (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, warming flavor from a blend of aromatic spices
Easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients
Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or entertaining guests
Customizable spice levels to suit your taste
Naturally comforting and satisfying
A wonderful alternative to coffee
Can be made dairy-free if desired

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups water
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons loose black tea or 2 black tea bags
2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 small cinnamon stick
3 to 4 whole cloves
1 small piece fresh ginger, sliced or grated
2 teaspoons sugar, honey, or sweetener of choice
2 black peppercorns (optional)

Directions

Add the water to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns if using.
Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the water.
Add the black tea and continue simmering for 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in the milk and add the sweetener.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Allow the chai to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly deepened in color.
Remove from the heat and strain into cups.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Extra Ginger Chai: Increase the amount of fresh ginger for a spicier kick.
Cardamom Chai: Add additional cardamom pods for a more aromatic flavor.
Dairy-Free Chai: Use oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
Vanilla Chai: Stir in a small amount of vanilla extract before serving.
Jaggery Chai: Sweeten with jaggery instead of sugar for a traditional touch.
Strong Chai: Use more tea leaves or simmer the tea slightly longer.
Saffron Chai: Add a few strands of saffron for a luxurious variation.

Storage/Reheating

Allow leftover chai to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, pour the chai into a saucepan and warm gently over low to medium heat until hot. Avoid boiling repeatedly, as this may alter the flavor and texture of the milk.

You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave using short intervals, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

What does Masala Chai mean?

Masala Chai translates to “spiced tea,” referring to black tea brewed with a blend of aromatic spices.

What type of tea is best for Masala Chai?

Strong black teas such as Assam or other robust black tea varieties work best.

Can I make Masala Chai without milk?

Yes, you can prepare it with only water or use a dairy-free milk alternative.

Is Masala Chai caffeinated?

Yes, traditional Masala Chai contains black tea, which naturally contains caffeine.

Can I adjust the spices?

Absolutely. The spice blend can be customized to match your personal preferences.

What sweetener works best?

Sugar is traditional, but honey, maple syrup, jaggery, or other sweeteners can be used.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients while maintaining the same ratios.

Why is my chai not flavorful enough?

Try simmering the spices longer or increasing the amount of spices and tea used.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?

Yes, but whole spices generally provide a cleaner flavor and are easier to strain out.

Can Masala Chai be served cold?

Yes, chilled Masala Chai can be served over ice for a refreshing iced tea variation.

Conclusion

Masala Chai is a timeless beverage that brings together bold black tea, creamy milk, and a fragrant blend of warming spices. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this comforting drink is perfect for quiet mornings, afternoon breaks, or sharing with friends and family. Once you experience the rich aroma and satisfying flavor of homemade Masala Chai, it may become a staple in your beverage collection.

Masala Chai

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Masala Chai is a rich and comforting spiced tea made with black tea, milk, and aromatic warming spices. This traditional beverage delivers a fragrant balance of bold tea flavor and cozy spice in every sip.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Simmer
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Add the water to a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, ginger, and peppercorns if using.
Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the water.
Add the black tea and continue simmering for 1 to 2 minutes.
Pour in the milk and add the sweetener.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Allow the chai to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly deepened in color.
Remove from the heat and strain into cups.
Serve hot.

Notes

Increase the ginger for a spicier chai.
Use additional cardamom pods for a more aromatic flavor.
Substitute oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Sweeten with jaggery for a traditional variation.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop and avoid repeated boiling.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 85 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg