What is Indian Masala Chai?
Indian Masala Tea or Masala Chai, as it is commonly known, is one of the most popular Indian drinks. Chai means tea in Hindi.
The word Chai is derived from the Persian word Chay, which originated from the Chinese word for tea, cha.
Tea gained popularity in India in the early 20th century, where workers working in mills, factories and mines drank tea during their breaks. And that is how the local chaiwalas gained their popularity.
Masala Chai is made by brewing black tea leaves along with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black peppercorns, and then by adding milk towards the end.
We have made a masala tea powder, which can be made before hand and stored in an airtight container. You can also use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger.
The step by step instructions for making Masala Chai are below.
Ingredients
1½ cups water
2¼ tsp leaves leaves
½ inch piece ginger, grated or pounded
¼ tsp tea masala (Recipe: https://old.desidaawat.com/tea-masala/)
¼ cardamom powder
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
¼ cup full cream milk
Method
This is a list of ingredients.
Bring the water to a boil.
Next, add the tea leaves.
Let them boil for a few minutes and then add the ginger.
Once the tea leaves have boiled, add the milk.
Give it a stir and let it boil for a few minutes.
Once the milk comes to a boil, lower the heat and add the cinnamon.
Next, add the tea masala.
Finally, add the cardamom powder.
Increase the heat and bring it to a boil.
Then, take it off the heat.
Strain and pour into cups.
Serve hot.
