Welcome to We Love Food! Today, I am thrilled to share with you the art of making an authentic Masala Chai, also known as a Spiced Tea Latte. This beloved beverage hails from the heart of India and offers a symphony of spices that warm the soul. Whether you call it a chai tea latte like we do in the UK or Masala Tea as it's known in India, this drink is the perfect fusion of aromatic spices and rich tea, brought together to create a soothing and flavorful experience. Let's dive into the recipe so you can bring this little piece of indulgence into your own kitchen.
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- A blend of your favorite spices (common options include cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise)
- 4 cups of water
- 2 black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea equivalent
- 250 ml of full fat or plant-based milk
- Honey or sugar to taste
1. Begin by toasting your blend of spices in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them; this process aims to enhance their flavors.
2. Add the grated ginger to the spices in the pan if you are using it. Ginger adds a warm, spicy kick, but can be omitted if preferred.
3. Pour 4 cups of water into the pan with the toasted spices and bring it to a boil. The water will infuse with the spices during this process, creating a flavorful base for your chai.
4. Once the water is boiling, add the black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea. You can use any black tea, but English breakfast or Assam varieties work particularly well for chai. Steep the tea until you achieve a dark and rich color.
5. After the tea has steeped sufficiently, add 250 ml of milk to the pan. If you prefer to sweeten your chai, this is the time to do so with your choice of honey or sugar. Bring the mixture back to a near-boil, watching carefully as milk can boil over quickly.
6. Once the milk is boiling and the tea has reached the desired strength and flavor, remove the pan from heat. If feeling fancy, you can froth the milk at this stage for a latte effect.
7. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve into cups to remove the spices and any tea leaves.
8. Serve your Authentic Masala Chai hot and enjoy the comforting blend of spices and tea!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Equipment: Pan, fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer
Cooking Tips: Adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences. Toasting the spices is a key step; don't skip it as it releases their essential oils and flavors.
Servings: 4
This recipe has been lovingly crafted for you by We Love Food. To explore more delicious recipes and culinary tips, be sure to check out our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@welovefoods.
