Traditional Masala Chai: Easy Recipe Using Indian Spices

Masala chai is one of India's most familiar spiced beverages. Different families and regions have their own methods, but common ingredients include tea, milk, water, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and other spices.

The beauty of homemade masala chai is its flexibility. You can adjust the spice combination and intensity according to your preference. Whole spices are often lightly crushed before being simmered with water.

Common ingredients for masala chai include:

• Green cardamom for a sweet and aromatic fragrance.
• Cinnamon for warm and mildly sweet spice notes.
• Cloves for a strong, distinctive aroma.
• Fresh ginger for a sharp and warming flavor.
• Black pepper for additional spice and complexity.

To prepare chai, simmer the selected spices in water, add tea, and then combine with milk and sweetener as preferred. Strain before serving.

Using whole spices instead of heavily pre-ground mixtures can make it easier to adjust the flavor of homemade chai.