Chai is a popular drink in India and other parts of South Asia. Also known as masala chai, it is made by brewing tea leaves with spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, then adding milk and sugar. The result is a fragrant and creamy drink that is enjoyed throughout the day.

Making chai at home is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to make chai the traditional Indian way.

Ingredients:

• Water

• Milk

• Tea leaves or tea bags

• Sugar

• Ginger

• Cardamom pods

• Cinnamon sticks

• Cloves

Step 1: Boil water with spices In a saucepan, add water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grated or chopped ginger. Bring it to a boil. The spices add a warming and slightly spicy flavour to the chai.

Step 2: Add tea leaves or tea bags Add tea leaves or tea bags to the boiling water. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the tea to infuse with the spices.

Step 3: Add milk and bring to a boil Add milk to the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Be careful not to let it boil over. The milk adds a creamy texture and taste to the chai.

Step 4: Add sugar and cardamom pods Add sugar and cardamom pods to the saucepan. Stir well and allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The cardamom adds a sweet and aromatic flavour to the chai.

Step 5: Strain and serve hot Strain the chai using a strainer or a sieve and serve hot. You can adjust the amount of sugar and spices to suit your taste.

Now that we've gone over the basic steps for making chai, let's explore each step in more detail.

Step 1: Boil water with spices The first step to making chai is to boil water with spices. This not only infuses the water with the flavours of the spices, but also helps to release their essential oils. The most common spices used in chai are ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

To make the chai more flavourful, you can crush the spices before adding them to the water. This helps to release the essential oils and intensify their flavour. You can use a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin to crush the spices.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the spices to fully infuse with the water.

Step 2: Add tea leaves or tea bags Once the spices have infused with the water, it's time to add the tea leaves or tea bags. You can use any type of tea leaves, but black tea is the most commonly used in chai.

If you're using loose tea leaves, you can add them directly to the water. If you're using tea bags, add them to the water and let them steep for 2-3 minutes.

Be careful not to over-brew the tea, as this can make the chai bitter. If you prefer a stronger tea flavour, you can add more tea leaves or let the tea steep for a longer period of time.

Step 3: Add milk and bring to a boil After the tea has brewed, it's time to add the milk. The milk adds a creamy texture and taste to the chai. You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk.

To prevent the milk from boiling over, keep an eye on the heat and stir the mixture continuously. If you notice that the milk is boiling too rapidly, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring.

Once the milk has been added, bring the mixture to a boil. Be careful not to let it boil over, as this can create a mess on your stovetop. Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add sugar and cardamom pods The next step is to add sugar and cardamom pods to the mixture. The sugar adds sweetness to the chai, while the cardamom pods add a sweet and aromatic flavour. You can adjust the amount of sugar and cardamom pods to suit your taste.

To get the most flavour from the cardamom pods, you can crush them lightly before adding them to the mixture. This will help to release their essential oils and intensify their flavour.

Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will allow the sugar to dissolve and the cardamom flavour to fully infuse with the chai.

Step 5: Strain and serve hot The final step is to strain the chai and serve it hot. Use a strainer or a sieve to remove the tea leaves, spices, and any other solids from the mixture.

Pour the chai into a teapot or a serving mug and enjoy it hot. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of flavour.

In conclusion, making chai at home is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a fragrant and delicious cup of chai that is perfect for any time of day. Experiment with different spices and adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. With a little practice, you'll be able to make the perfect cup of chai every time.

So, why not try making your own desi chai today?