How To Make Masala Chai: Spiced Tea

I want to start this post with a question. What is your idea of relaxing on a chilly evening? Some people I know like to watch a movie or read a book. MY idea of relaxation is to cuddle on a sofa with my children and my preferred cuppa of masala chai.

In case you don't know what masala chai is? It is the favourite cup of tea or Chai for millions of Indians, made with black tea, milk and spices. There are two methods for making this chai: combine everything except the tea in a saucepan simmer, add the tea and then simmer again for a few minutes or soak the spices overnight and then simmer with tea and milk.

What ever the method used, the tea will always turn out delicious and your home will be filled with the wonderful aroma of spices, that is what I can guarantee. You can adjust the quantity of ingredients according to your liking e.g. you can increase the number of cardamoms to enhance the seductive floral flavour. Reducing the quantity of ginger on the other hand will yield tea with a lesser intense taste.

Ingredients	Quantity
water	1 1/4 cup
milk	1/2 cup
black peppercorns whole	3-4
green cardamoms	4 split open
cinnamon stick	1 piece
fresh ginger cut into pieces	1 inch piece
black tea	1 tea bag or 1tsp loose black tea
star anise	1 piece
sugar	to taste

Prep Time: 5 mins☻    Cooking Time: 15 mins☻    Yield: 1 cup☻    Cuisine: Indian

Preparation:

Combine water and milk with all the spices and leave to simmer gently on low heat for 5 mins.

Add the tea bag or loose leaf tea and simmer again for 10-12 mins until the flavours are permeated into the tea.

Strain and serve hot with your Homemade Peach Cookies your favourite tea time snack.