Indian milk tea, also known as chai or masala chai, is a popular beverage that combines the strong flavors of Indian spices with the subtle sweetness of milk and tea. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can enjoy a comforting cup of chai at home.

Step 1: Gather ingredients and tools

To make Indian milk tea, you’ll need:

– Black tea (preferably loose leaf)

– 1.5 cups of water

– 1 cup of milk (whole milk is best)

– 1 teaspoon ground ginger

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– Sugar or honey to taste

You will also need:

– A teapot or saucepan with lid

– A tea strainer (if using loose leaf tea)

Step 2: Combine spices and water

In your teapot or saucepan, combine the water with the ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about five minutes. This process allows the spices to release their flavors and infuse into the water.

Step 3: Add black tea

Now it’s time to add your black tea. If using loose leaf tea, roughly measure one tablespoon per cup of water (or adjust according to taste). If using tea bags, use one bag per cup. Place the black tea in with the spice-infused water, and then cover with a lid. Let this mixture steep for about four minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your chai will be.

Step 4: Strain and add milk & sweetener

Using a tea strainer, strain the tea mixture into your cup(s), removing the loose tea leaves or tea bags. Now, add the milk to your chai. Whole milk provides a rich and creamy texture, but you may use any milk of your preference. Mix in the sugar or honey to taste and stir until well combined.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Lastly, sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious and aromatic homemade Indian milk tea! Chai is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed as iced chai.

By following these five simple steps, you will be able to create a tasty and warming cup of Indian milk tea from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of spices or varying sweetness levels to find your perfect chai.