This is what I wake up to every morning…
Before getting started on my daily activities, I look forward to easing into the day with a cup of hot masala tea (also known as Indian chai), an entry into my journal, and watching the birds on the feeder for a little while.
Today, I’d like to share this little pleasure with you with the recipe for my favorite tea. I hope that you will come to enjoy it as much as I do!
Hot Masala Tea (Indian Chai)
(serves 2)
2 pinches dry fennel seeds
3-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
Approx. 1/4 – 1/3 inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated
2 tsp. loose tea (the best are Indian red or yellow label teas)
1-2 level tsp. sugar
1 1/3 cup water
2/3 cup skim milk
Place the water and the first three ingredients (the spices) in a pot and bring to a boil on high heat.
As soon as the water boils, add the tea. Let it cook for about 1 minute while stirring, and then add the milk.
With the temperature still on high, bring the tea and the milk back to another boil. Stir frequently, and be careful not to let it boil over.
As soon as the first bubbles form, remove the tea from the burner and add the sugar. Fill the tea into the cups through a strainer.
Notes:
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If you are not used to cardamom, you may prefer to start off with only 3 crushed pods.
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I used to take 2 tsp. of sugar in this recipe, but now I have cut it down to only one. It still tastes fine. It is just a matter of preference.
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I like skim milk in my tea. A friend of mine used 2% and whole milk in hers before and complained that it did not taste as good as mine; that it tasted too ‘milky’ and ‘fatty’. You have to try it out for yourself to see what you like best.
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To make the tea stronger, let it steep for another minute or two after you added the sugar.
Enjoy !
I love all things tea. 🙂
Crafting and tea – it goes so well together! 🙂
Very true!
Thank you so much for this! 🙂
I’m glad that you like it, Jackie! 🙂
This sounds delicious! Thank you for posting the instructions.
You are welcome! Hope you enjoy this delicious tea!
I like the colors in these photos. Irish breakfast tea, black, has been a morning habit for a long time, but in these cold days I may go for this – I often find it soothes the stomach, too. It’s so good when you do the spices fresh. Good reminder!
Thanks, bluebrightly! Yes, these spices are warming and good for the digestion. Should you decide to try out this recipe, let me know how you like it. Be well!
This sounds wonderful – have everything on hand except for the cardamom pods. Might have to add them to the grocery list!
Make sure to get the GREEN cardamom, Michelle! It makes a big difference.
Thanks for the tip!