Description
Kadak Masala Chai is a bold and flavorful Indian tea infused with aromatic spices and fresh ginger. Perfect for those who enjoy a strong, comforting beverage, this chai delivers a robust combination of spices and sweetness, ideal for starting your day or unwinding in the evening.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 clove
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1 cardamom pod (or 2 small cardamom pods)
1 black peppercorn
1/4-inch cinnamon stick, sliced in half
1/2-inch piece ginger, grated or crushed
1 1/2 tsp tea leaves (Wagh Bakri recommended)
1/3 cup organic whole milk (use 1/2 cup for a creamier chai)
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a pot.
- While the water heats, crush the clove, fennel seeds, black peppercorn, and cinnamon stick using a mortar and pestle. Set the cardamom pods aside to add later.
- Once the water simmers, add the crushed spices and grated ginger directly into the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let it boil for 1-2 minutes until the color changes and the spices release their aroma.
- Add the tea leaves and boil for another 30-60 seconds. Keep an eye on it to prevent overflow.
- Add the milk and cardamom pods, mixing everything well. Let it come to a boil again, watching to avoid overflow.
- Turn off the heat once the tea comes to a boil and cover with a lid. Let it sit for a minute to let the flavors meld.
- Strain the chai into a cup. Add sugar if desired, and enjoy with a digestive cookie for the ultimate experience.
Notes
For extra spiciness, add cayenne pepper or more black peppercorns.
For a caffeine-free version, swap the black tea with herbal tea or rooibos.
You can use sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or stevia instead of sugar.
To make it dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
