Healthy Drinks

Masala Chai Recipe

Whether you're a fan of chai or looking to try something new, this masala chai recipe is definitely worth a try.

Masala chai is a popular refreshing tea that has been drank by many generations all through out India. This tea recipe is a immune boosting drink especially during this quarantine time, monsoon and winter season as well as. Masala chai is known for its energizing aroma and it’s ability to help soothe your throat as well. And I have written down the best practices and recipe to make the most authentic South-Indian Masala Chai that you can make at home right now! So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try it right now!

What Is Masala Chai?

Masala Chai is a popular Indian tea made with a combination of succulent Assam tea leaves, low-fat milk, and a unique blend of Indian spices. This traditional beverage is known for its rich, aromatic flavors and is often enjoyed with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
The infusion of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and fresh ginger adds a delightful warmth and depth to the tea, making it a comforting and flavorful drink. The masala chai recipe perfectly balances the boldness of the tea leaves with the fragrant spices, resulting in a truly indulgent and satisfying drink.

Why You'll Love Masala Chai Recipe?

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of low-fat milk and brown sugar creates a rich and creamy texture in this masala chai recipe, making it a comforting and indulgent drink.
Aromatic and Flavorful: The blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves gives this masala chai recipe a robust and aromatic flavor that is both soothing and invigorating.
Digestive Benefits: The addition of ginger and peppercorns in the masala chai recipe not only adds a warm and spicy kick but also provides digestive benefits, making it a great drink after a heavy meal.
Immune-boosting Properties: The spices used in this masala chai recipe, such as ginger and cinnamon, are known for their immune-boosting properties, making it a perfect drink to ward off seasonal illnesses.
Antioxidant-rich Tea Leaves: Assam tea leaves used in this recipe are packed with antioxidants, which are known to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Customizable and Adaptable: This masala chai recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spice level, and milk ratio according to your preference, making it a versatile and adaptable drink for everyone to enjoy.

By Santhi Therese The Indian Claypot

Ingredients for Masala Chai Recipe

Water: The base of the masala chai, water is used to brew the tea and infuse all the spices together.
Assam Tea Leaves: Known for its strong and malty flavor, Assam tea leaves add depth and richness to the masala chai.
Low Fat Milk: Low fat milk adds creaminess to the chai without being too heavy, creating a smooth and balanced texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the masala chai, enhancing its overall taste.
Cinnamon: Adding warmth and a hint of sweetness, cinnamon adds a comforting and aromatic element to the chai.
Green Cardamoms, Black Peppercorns, Mint Leaves, Cloves, Fresh Ginger: These spices and herbs bring complexity and depth to the masala chai, with the cardamoms and peppercorns adding a hint of spice, mint leaves providing a fresh and lively flavor, cloves adding a warm and sweet note, and ginger adding a subtle heat and earthiness to the chai.

How To Make Masala Chai?

If you want to make a delicious and flavorful masala chai at home, follow these simple steps:

Heat 1&1/2 cups of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Crush cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, and peppercorns in a mortar-pestle and add the crushed spices along with mint leaves to the boiling water.
Crush fresh ginger and add it to the boiling water as well.
Add 3 teaspoons of assam tea and 5 teaspoons of brown sugar to the boiling water and spices. Boil the tea for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add 1&1/4 cups of low-fat milk and continue to boil the tea for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over low heat.
Once done, switch off the heat and pour the tea through a strainer, pressing the tea leaves to extract the masala flavors.
Perform the traditional 'aathu' process by pouring the tea from the tumbler to the pot and vice versa until a foam forms.
Serve the masala chai with biscuits for a delightful experience.

Each step is important for creating a truly flavorful masala chai that is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Complementary sides: Masala chai pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and sweets. Try serving it with spiced biscuits, cookies, or even a savory dish like samosas or pakoras for a delightful combination of flavors.
Healthy options: If you're looking for a healthier option, pair your masala chai with nuts, fruits, or whole grain crackers. The warmth of the tea will complement these lighter snacks perfectly.
Dessert pairing: For a sweet treat, consider pairing your masala chai with desserts like cake, pastries, or Indian sweets like jalebi or gulab jamun. The combination of the rich, spiced tea and the sweetness of the dessert is a match made in heaven.

Tips for Making Masala Chai

Preparation Time: Making masala chai takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy beverage to prepare.
Cooking Techniques: The key to making a flavorful masala chai lies in the art of boiling the tea with the spices. Be sure to follow the instructions to boil the tea for the perfect amount of time to extract the flavors.
Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing the masala chai with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon not only adds to the presentation but also enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the chai.
Frothing Technique: To achieve the perfect froth on top of your masala chai, practice the 'aathu' technique of pouring the tea from the tumbler to the pot and vice versa until a layer of foam forms on top.
Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences. Feel free to add more or reduce the amount of sugar to your liking.
Serving Suggestions: Masala chai pairs beautifully with biscuits, cookies, or even savory snacks. Serve the chai in traditional cups or glasses for an authentic experience.

Variations for Masala Chai Recipe

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a small piece of star anise for a spicier flavor profile. You can also increase the amount of black peppercorns for an extra kick.
Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like lemongrass, basil, or even rosemary to add a unique twist to your masala chai.
Nutty Flavors: Try adding a splash of almond milk or a sprinkle of crushed almonds for a nutty undertone in your masala chai.
Sweet Sensation: Substitute brown sugar with jaggery, honey, or maple syrup for a different sweetness level and flavor.
Creamy Delight: Swap low-fat milk with coconut milk, oat milk, or even condensed milk for a creamy and indulgent masala chai experience.
Fruity Fusion: Infuse your masala chai with a hint of fruity flavor by adding a small amount of orange zest, a slice of lemon, or a splash of apple cider.

How to Store Masala Chai Recipe

Storing Tea Leaves: To maintain the freshness of the Assam tea leaves, store them in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture. This will keep the flavor intact for a longer period of time.
Preserving Spices: Keep the spices such as cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, peppercorns, and mint leaves in a cool, dark place in airtight containers. Proper storage will help retain their potency and flavor.
Milk Storage: Always use low-fat milk for making masala chai. Once opened, store the milk in the refrigerator at the recommended temperature to ensure it stays fresh.
Brown Sugar Preservation: Store the brown sugar in a sealed container to prevent it from hardening. Keeping it in a cool, dry place will maintain its texture and flavor.
Ginger Maintenance: Keep the fresh ginger wrapped in a paper towel and store it in the vegetable crisper of your refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for a longer time.
Final Note: Proper storage of all the ingredients is crucial to ensure the masala chai retains its authentic taste and aroma. Follow these storage tips to enjoy a fresh and flavorful masala chai every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use whole spices instead of crushing them?

Yes, you can use whole spices instead of crushing them. Just remember to remove them from the tea before serving to avoid biting into the whole spices.

Can I use different types of tea leaves for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of tea leaves based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of tea to find the one that suits your taste best.

Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter chai, you can add more sugar, and if you prefer a less sweet chai, you can reduce the amount of sugar.

How can I make the chai less/more spicy?

To make the chai less spicy, you can reduce the quantity of peppercorns and cloves in the recipe. Conversely, to make the chai more spicy, you can increase the quantity of these spices.

Can I make the chai without milk?

Yes, you can make the chai without milk for a dairy-free version. Simply substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk.

How long will the masala chai stay fresh?

The masala chai can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it before serving and enjoy!

Recipe Card

Masala Chai Recipe 2020-08-06 04:40:32