Masala Chai - Spiced Tea

Masala Chai, often just called Chai, is the most common drink in India. The chaiwalas (tea sellers) of India run restlessly through the train stations and streets with their kettle of tea and a bag of morsels, enchanting train passengers, office workers, and city dwellers with their wooing calls.

When I think of my train rides to visit my grandparents during my school vacations, I have many fond memories of the chaiwalas in the train stations. Back then, chai was sold in small reusable kulhar (clay pots) for a few rupees. Nowadays, it is usually served in small glasses or disposable paper cups.

Every time I prepare Chai at home and the heavenly aroma prepares itself in the apartment, I feel transported back to that wonderful childhood. The spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger in the Chai masala blend just energize you anytime.

Here are a few of my grandma's tips for making the perfect Masala Chai:

• Measure out the water and milk with the cups you plan to serve the Chai in.

• Make sure you have a balanced ratio: ¾ cup of milk to ¼ cup of water per person.

• You'll only need ¼ tsp of Chai masala blend per person.

• About 2 level teaspoons of sugar is enough to bring out the full flavor of the spices.

Although armed with these tips you can make Chai for the whole Indian cricket team, here's a recipe for 2 people for now (you'll definitely need the recipe for my Chai masala mix).

Ingredients für 2 Cups

• 1 ½ cups milk / for vegan version use oat milk

• ½ cup water

• 2 tea bags black tea e.g. Ceylon or Assam

• ½ tsp. Chai Masala blend

• 4 level tsp sugar or 4 sugar cubes

Instructions

Place water and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add tea bags and Chai Masala mixture, stir through and bring to a boil.

Once the Chai begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 minute.Turn off the heat and pour the Chai through a fine mesh strainer into two cups

Stir in the sugar and enjoy immediately.

Tips

• Cut the strings with the tags and then use the tea bag. It makes pouring less complicated

I look forward to hearing from you...

...if you like my blog, my recipes inspire you and your curiosity for Indian cuisine has been piqued. Feel free to give me feedback if you would like to share your cooking accomplishments or have a suggestion for improvement. I appreciate any kind feedback. Whether via the comment function, email, Facebook or Instagram (best tagged with #heutemalindisch and @heutemalindisch, then your cooking success can also inspire others).