Masala chai is the world's second best non-alcoholic drink, here's how to make it easily

Masala chai has been ranked the 2nd best non-alcoholic drink in the world by popular food and travel platform Taste Atlas.

What is masala chai?

Masala chai, the soothing drink is a popular and traditional Indian spiced tea. The word "chai" itself is Hindi for tea, and "masala" refers to a blend of spices. This flavorful beverage is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices and herbs. While the exact ingredients can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations.

Here's a quick and easy recipe for masala chai:

Indian masala chai is a flavorful and aromatic spiced tea that combines black tea with a blend of spices. Here's a basic recipe for making authentic Indian masala chai at home:

Ingredients to make masala chai:

2 cups water
1 cup milk
2-3 teaspoons black tea leaves or 2-3 tea bags
2-3 teaspoons sugar/jaggery (adjust to taste)
1-2 inches fresh ginger, grated or thinly sliced
2-3 whole green cardamom pods, crushed
2-3 whole cloves
1-2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 black pepper
Optional: a few strands of saffron or a pinch of fennel seeds for added flavor

Instructions to make masala chai:

Prepare the Spice Blend: In a mortar and pestle, crush the cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns slightly. You can also use a spice grinder for this step.

Boil Water with Spices: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the crushed spice blend, ginger, and cinnamon sticks. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse the water with the spices.

Add Tea Leaves: Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the simmering water and spices. Let it brew for 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

Add Milk: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Be careful not to let it boil over.

Sweeten the Chai: Add sugar to the tea, adjusting the amount to your taste. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

Strain and Serve: Once the tea is brewed to your liking, strain the chai into cups or mugs to remove the tea leaves and spices.

Optional Step: For an extra touch of flavor and aroma, you can garnish the chai with a pinch of fennel seeds or a few strands of saffron.

Enjoy: Your homemade Indian masala chai is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, spiced flavor.

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