chai recipe

A simple, warming masala chai made with black tea, milk and whole spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp loose black tea, or 2 black tea bags
• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 black peppercorns
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1–2 tbsp sugar or honey, to taste

Method

Add the water, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns and ginger to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add the black tea and simmer for another 2 minutes.

Pour in the milk and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, watching carefully so the milk doesn’t boil over.

Sweeten to taste, strain into cups and serve hot.