Chai Recipe
Make Chai Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tea Base
Spice Blend (masala)
Milk & Sweetener
Finishing
Method
Tea Base
- 1
Boil water with spices
Place 2 cups water in a small saucepan. Add the cardamom pods (lightly crushed), peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cloves and sliced ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the spiced water for 5–7 minutes to extract the aromatics. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, simmer up to 10 minutes.
- 3
Add the black tea leaves (or tea bags) to the spiced water. Raise heat just enough to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and steep the tea in the spiced water for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil vigorously once the tea has been added to avoid bitterness.
Milk & Sweetener
- 4
- 5
Stir in 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste). Allow the chai to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes so the milk absorbs the flavors and the drink develops a creamy texture.
Strain & Serve
- 6
Turn off the heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve or tea strainer, strain the chai into two cups to remove tea leaves and whole spices.
- 7
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or ground cardamom on top as a finishing touch.
- 8
Serve hot immediately.