Recipe for MASALA CHAI
by Mariana
With the festive season approaching and the colder days that December brings, we want to share a very special recipe to enjoy with family and friends or to relax by the fire, enjoying a moment of tranquility and introspection.
Masala Chai is a traditional spiced tea from India made with black tea, a variety of aromatic spices, milk, and sweetener. The word “masala” means “spice mix” and “chai” means “tea.” The recipe can vary slightly depending on the region and personal preferences, but it generally includes spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. We will share a caffeine-free version, which is an infusion, and without sugar, but we will leave suggestions for you to adapt it to your taste.
The stars of this infusion are the spices, which not only add a delicious flavor and cozy aroma, but also provide numerous health benefits, helping to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and maintain wellness and warmth during the cold months.
Here are some benefits of each spice:
Ginger: It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps improve digestion, reduces inflammation in the body, and can relieve stomach discomfort and nausea. Additionally, it is our guardian against colds and respiratory issues, as it helps stimulate the immune system, key in winter.
Cinnamon: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps regulate blood sugar and improves blood circulation. It is known for its ability to warm the body, helping to fight off the cold.
Cloves: They have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help relieve sore throats, reduce muscle pain, and improve circulation.
Cardamom: A powerful antioxidant that helps improve digestion and can relieve indigestion and bad breath. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood pressure, making it an excellent choice for cardiovascular health.
Black Pepper: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains piperine, which helps increase nutrient absorption and improves digestion.
With all that said, let’s move on to the recipe. We hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 6-8 green cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of grated ginger (for a less intense ginger flavor, slice it instead of grating)
- Caffeine option: 3 tablespoons of loose black tea (or about 3-4 black tea bags // use decaffeinated tea if preferred)
- 2 cups of milk (your choice. We love it with oat or coconut milk, which adds sweetness without extra sweeteners)
- Optional: You can add sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but the combination of spices already gives it a naturally sweet touch. If you choose oat milk, it will also add a slight sweetness. We suggest trying it unsweetened to better savor the intensity of the flavors this tea offers.
Instructions:
- Place the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and cloves in a mortar and lightly crush the spices, breaking them into small pieces. (Note: Do not pulverize them, just crush them lightly).
- In a medium saucepan, add the crushed spices, water, and grated ginger (or sliced). Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until it reduces by about one third.
- Add the milk, and if using tea, add it now as well. Lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Then, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes or longer if you prefer a more intense flavor.
- If you’d like to sweeten it, this is the time to add your sweetener.
- Strain the chai with a fine mesh strainer before serving.
- You can store the strained chai, once cooled, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in a milk frother.