Masala chai is a spiced tea from India that is very popular. This article provides an easy masala chai recipe to make the popular Indian spiced tea drink at home.
About Masala Chai Recipe:
A hot cup of masala chai is the perfect companion for a rainy day or a cold winter morning. This aromatic tea infused with spices is a beloved drink across India and the world.
Indian Masala Tea gets its signature flavor from a blend of warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Black tea leaves are brewed with these spices and milk to create a comforting, slightly spicy, and full-bodied tea.
The addition of milk gives masala chai a creamy, luxurious texture.
Making good masala chai is a skill anyone can learn. You just have to try different amounts of spices. You can enjoy your hot cup of masala tea by yourself or share it with friends and family.
Drinking this Bhartiya Masala Chai made with spices and milk is something people all over the world love. So get your spices ready, boil some water, and start making your masala chai!
Which Tea to Use:
Most homes in India use black tea powder to make chai every day. There are two main types of powder they use. One is called Tea Dust – this tea has been crushed into a fine powder.
The other is called CTC tea. It comes in tiny balls or grains. Both the Tea Dust powder and the CTC tea grains are very good for making tasty cups of masala chai with milk and spices.
Tea Dust
This is a fine, powdery grade of black tea where the leaves have been crushed into a dust-like texture. Tea dust dissolves quickly in hot water or milk to produce a strong liquor. Popular varieties of tea dust used for chai include Assam Dust and Nilgiri Dust.
The tiny particles infuse rapidly, making this a convenient tea to brew masala chai when you want the spices to take prominence.
CTC Tea
CTC stands for “Cut, Tear, Curl” and refers to a manufacturing process where the black tea leaves are cut, torn in machines, and then curled into small pellets. Popular CTC teas for masala chai include brands like Red Label or Brooke Bond.
The tiny ball shape allows efficient infusion. CTC brews a very robust cup, so it can stand up to the sweetened milk and abundance of spices in masala chai. Its briskness balances the creamy softness.
Both tea dust and CTC granular black teas are affordable, widely available options for making everyday masala chai in Indian households. Their quick-infusing, strong-brewing qualities make them ideal companions to infuse flavorfully with aromatic spices and sugar or milk.
Serving Suggestion:
Indian Masala Tea tastes best when served hot. Pour it into your favorite mug and sip slowly, allowing the flavors to dance on your palate. It goes wonderfully with Indian snacks like Aloo Samosas, Onion pakoras, Chura Bhuja, Cookies, Biscuits, or Rusk.
Pro Tips:
- Play around with the spice proportions to suit your taste preferences.
- Let the tea leaves and spices simmer for a few minutes for a more intense, flavorful masala chai.
- Add a spoonful of honey for extra sweetness and flavor depth.
Looking for Some More Indian Beverages like this:
Basic Ingredients Used to Make this Recipe:
Every ingredient is super important in making your Indian Masala Tea taste just right. The strong spices and the milky base all work together to give you that special and comforting feeling when you sip on a homemade cup of Bhartiya Masala Chai.
Tea Ingredients:
Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the chai, creating a smooth texture. It also helps mellow down the spiciness of the masala, providing a balanced and comforting cup.
Water: Water is the base of the chai, essential for brewing the tea leaves and infusing the spices. It ensures the proper dilution and extraction of flavors.
Black Tea: How strong your chai turns out depends on the type and amount of tea you add. When you mix this key ingredient with the masala, it creates a yummy and strong flavor that makes Masala chai special.
Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness according to your preference, balancing the spices. It enhances the overall flavor profile and makes the chai a delightful treat.
Masala Ingredients:
Ginger: Ginger adds a warm, spicy kick to the chai. Beyond flavor, it’s known for its digestive properties, making your chai not only tasty but also soothing for the stomach.
Cloves: Cloves contribute a strong, pungent flavor to the chai. They bring a hint of sweetness along with their aromatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom: Cardamom adds a sweet and flowery flavor, making the chai smell wonderful. Many believe it also aids digestion and offers various health benefits.
Black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of warmth to the chai, making sure it’s not too sweet. It’s not just for spiciness; black pepper is known for possibly helping your body fight off bad stuff and reducing inflammation.
Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi, also known as holy basil, adds a special herbal freshness to the chai. It not only tastes good but is also believed to have health benefits, helping boost the immune system and relieve stress.
Cinnamon Stick: Cinnamon brings a warm, slightly sweet taste to the chai, making it even more flavorful. It mixes smoothly with other spices, giving the chai a delightful richness. Additionally, some people think cinnamon may have health benefits, like reducing inflammation.
Masala Chai Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For Masala
- 2 inch Ginger
- 4 Cloves
- 4 Cardamom
- 8 Black Pepper
- 8 Tulsi Leaves
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
For Tea
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Tea or as needed
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Crush spices using a mortar and pestle or a coffee/spice grinder.
- Heat water in a pot on medium-high heat.
- Add the crushed spices to the water.
- Reduce heat to medium and bring the water to a boil.
- Add the tea and sugar and let it boil for a minute.
- Now add milk and stir it in.
- Bring the tea to a boil. The tea can overflow easily, so keep a close eye.
- Once the tea comes to a boil. Turn off the gas.
- Strain the tea in a cup and enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About this Recipe:
Can I make masala chai without milk?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative for a vegan version or simply enjoy it without any milk.
Can I use pre-ground spices?
While whole spices are preferred for a fresher flavor, pre-ground spices can be used. Adjust the quantity accordingly, as ground spices tend to be more potent.
How can I make a stronger cup of masala chai?
Increase the steeping time and the quantity of tea leaves and spices. You can also add a dash of extra ginger or black pepper for a bolder kick.
Why is my Tea Bitter?
Using a lot of tea leaves or tea powder can make your tea bitter. How much tea to use depends on the tea brand and milk type. If your chai is bitter, try using less tea next time. Or add more milk and cook it longer – that helps reduce bitterness too.
Can I drink Masala Tea every day?
Lots of people drink masala tea every day. Just remember not to have too much, and it’s good to check with a doctor if you’re unsure. Enjoy your tea with just the right amount of sugar and milk for a healthy daily treat!
My Recommended Product:
Saw these beautiful Chai Cups on Amazon, and thought of sharing them with you. Best cups to serve Indian Masala CHAI. What’s your thought?
Please note that this recommendation is based on my personal experience and preferences, I encourage you to do your own research and choose a product that best suits your needs and budget.”
You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission
I receive from your purchases. I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
- This cup has the capacity up to 130ML with dimensions of 6.5x6.5cm. These cups are handmade and specially design to serve tea coffee.
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You Might Also Want to Try:
To enjoy your Bhartiya Masala Chai fullest, you must try making some of the below-mentioned recipes, which go really well with masala tea. These recipes are very popular on my blog and I am sure you too would like them too.
Stuffed Aloo Bread Pakora Recipe
Babycorn Pakoda
Paneer Pakoda Recipe
Garlic Bread Pakora
If you liked this Masala Chai Recipe or Masala Tea and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #TheTastesofIndia.
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Happy Cooking!!!