WHAT WINE IS TO THE FRENCH...IS EXACTLY WHAT 'CHAI' IS TO INDIA!!!

 Chai is the much loved Indian Spice Tea which is the lifeblood of India. Served in scant shot glasses from dawn until way past dusk, this beverage is EVERYWHERE you look. It’s in little make-shift cafes, sold  at every bus station, train station and street corner...and the very enthusiatic Tea seller called 'chai-walla' is every Indian Traveller's delight.

Home Brewing ''Chai'' is really easy and u dont need to get to Starbucks to indulge in a nice hot cuppa Chai latte.The taste of chai is sweet ,aromatic and very subtly spicy. People around India take their chai making very seriously with different methods. My Family has a tried , tested and a sure shot winner recipie that is...dumping all the ingredients...and giving it a good boil...and there!! you have some excellent Chai...to take off your morning with or Sip by Sip watch a beautiful sunset.

Here's how you make your cup of 'POSITIVITEA'

HOW TO MAKE (THE WORLDS) BEST CHAI ( EVER!!)

Prep:5 mins   cooking:5 mins   Servings:1 cuppa heaven

What u need:

1/2 cup of water

1/2 cup of full milk * if your using skim , skip the water and use 1 cup of skim.

1 heaving teaspoon of small grain Tea leaves(Assam or Darjeeling, you could find it at your local indo-pak grocery - brands :Taj Mahal, Brooke Bond. If not go for 2 Lipton tea bags)

Sugar or Splenda as per taste.

For the 'Spice' or 'Masala'

2-3 baby pieces of cinnamon( good flavoured)

2 - 3 semi crushed pods of cardamom

3-4 small slices of fresh ginger

a lil nutmeg grated on top while brewing* optional.

Directions:

Pour all the ingredients in a preferably spouted saucepan.Place on medium heat and allow to heat until small little bubbles appear on the perimeter of the saucepan.Stir your Chai constantly to avoid the milk from scalding at the bottom. When the milk comes to boil , stir well and then switch the flame to low and let it simmer for about 3 mins, this also lets the chai steep while it simmers. Once you get that undeniable amazing chai aroma switch it off. Strain and pour into your favourite Chai Cup.Sit back with your favourite book and enjoy your way to heaven...One sip at a time.

Until next time...Keep steeming with ''POSITIVITEA'

Spice Monk