TRADITIONAL INDIAN MASALA CHAI
December 08, 2015
“Tea is India's most popular drink - the country consumes 837,000 tonnes of it every year. The ritual of drinking chai transcends all boundaries, and roadsides are dotted with chai wallahs who serve it boiled up with spices, sugar and milk.” –BBC
‘Chai’ means tea in Hindi. Masala chai, a centuries-old warming (and delicious!) beverage has powerful healing properties. Traditional masala chai has antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, due to its powerful ingredients. Chai also improves digestion, enhances the immune system and fights inflammation.
Magical 7 Ingredient Masala Chai.* Serves 4. Can easily be doubled or tripled.
Scant ¼ cup Red Label Loose Tea
2 ½ cups water
1 star anise, whole
1 cinnamon stick
4 cardamom pods, cracked
2 cups milk of your choice (note: higher fat milks taste better. We particularly love coconut or macadamia nut milk and avoid almond milk for this recipe)
¼ cup organic sugar or maple syrup
Press on cardamom pods until they crack open. Bring water, tea and all spices to a boil. Boil for 5-7 minutes until the water is reduced to a little less than 2 cups and is a gorgeous dark russet color. Strain, pour back into pot and on low, add sugar and milk until sugar has completely dissolved and milk is hot, another 3-4 minutes. You’re ready to serve!
*As taught to Rachel in Mysore, India.