Spiced tea, also known as chai, is a popular beverage that originated in India and is now enjoyed worldwide. The combination of spices and tea creates a warm, aromatic and flavorful drink that is perfect for a cozy afternoon or evening. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make spiced tea or chai at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of loose black tea or 4 tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2-3 black peppercorns, crushed
- Sugar, to taste
Instructions:
-
In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
-
Add the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns to the water. Let the spices simmer for about 5 minutes to release their flavor and aroma.
-
Add the black tea to the pot and let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the milk and sugar to the pot and stir everything together.
-
Let the chai simmer for a few minutes until it is hot and fragrant.
-
Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and tea leaves.
-
Pour the spiced tea into cups and serve.
Optional: You can also add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the chai for an extra touch of spice.
Enjoy your homemade spiced tea or chai!
