Veg Indian Recipes

Masala Chai Tea or just 'Chai' is the beverage of choice all over India. From a construction worker to a business tycoon, eveyone prefers a hot cuppa 'chai' between work or after a hard days work. Most Indian homes will always serve you a hot cup of Chai Tea when you drop in on a casual visit.

Depending on whether you are drinking it in the North, South, East or West India, the Chai Tea is invariably flavored with various spices (Masalas). But the tea is almost (except in the North-East) always 'readymade'. 'Readymade' Chai tea is tea boiled in a mixture of water, milk and sugar and is ready to serve (i.e you do not need to add milk, sugar, or anything else). I am posting a popular Indian Masala Chai Tea recipe below. It is the perfect drink to have on a cold winter day or night. So get cosy with a book or by the fire and enjoy your hot cup of 'Chai' tea!

Masala Chai Tea

Ingredients:

2 cups of Water
1 cup Milk
2 teaspoons Tea leaves (Darjeeling, Assam, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chinese or Nilgiri - Take your pick)
1 pod of Cardamom
1 Clove
1/2 inch piece of Ginger
1/4 inch piece of Cinnamon
Sugar to taste

Method:

In a pot, mix the milk, water, all the whole spices (masalas) and bring to a boil. When it comes to a boil, add the tea leaves and keep on a rolling boil for 2 minutes or till the tea leaves are completely brewed and the tea has a golden or chocolate color. Add sugar to taste.

Strain the tea with a strainer into a serving tea pot. Serve hot in cups or mugs with biscuits and cookies.

Makes 2 cups.