Ingredients: The core ingredients for Masala Chai include strong black tea leaves, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Choosing the Right Tea: The tea leaves used should be strong and robust to stand up to the spices and milk. Assam tea is a popular choice, but you can experiment with different varieties like Darjeeling or Nilgiri.
Making the Spice Mix: Traditionally, the spices are either freshly ground or used whole. For the best flavor, grind the spices just before brewing.
Brewing Process: Boil water with the spices for a few minutes to extract their flavors before adding the tea leaves.
Milk & Sugar: Add milk to the brew once the tea has steeped. Adjust the milk ratio according to your preference for creaminess.
Straining: After the tea has simmered to perfection, strain it to remove the tea leaves and spices. This ensures a smooth, flavorful cup of chai.
Serving: Serve Masala Chai hot in small cups or glasses. It is often accompanied by light snacks like biscuits or pakoras, and is best enjoyed with friends or family.