The Secrets of Chai

The secret behind a real cup of chai is not the use of flavored syrup or a chai teabag. Here, we go back to basics and enlist the use of our mortar and pestle. You do want real Indian chai don’t you? Each Indian family will have their own version of this soothing beverage. Just a few key ingredients and some patience is all you will need to enter our world of calmness and rejuvenation. Thank you for sharing this secret with us mom, we love you.

The Secrets of Chai

Print Recipe

• CourseBreakfast

Servings	Prep Time
2 Cups	5 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Servings Prep Time 2 Cups 5 Minutes

Cook Time 10 Minutes

The Secrets of Chai Print Recipe CourseBreakfast Servings Prep Time 2 Cups 5 Minutes Cook Time 10 Minutes Servings Prep Time 2 Cups 5 Minutes Cook Time 10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 clove
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1-2 tsp fresh ginger (based on preference)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
• 1 black tea bag
• 1 cup skim or 1% milk

Servings: Cups

Instructions

1. Place water in a pot on the stove-top on medium heat
2. Add fennel seeds to water
3. Place clove and cardamom in a mortar. Note the photograph also includes fennel seeds which do not need to be ground

   
4. Grind clove and cardamom with pestle and add to water on stove-top

   
5. Shred ginger into water on stove-top. I store my ginger washed and peeled in the freezer
6. Let the chai simmer for 5-7 minutes
7. Add cinnamon, honey and add tea bag. Allow mixture to simmer another 2 minutes
8. Add in milk (if you enjoy milky chai, can add slightly more than 1 cup milk). Heat chai until it comes to a rolling boil. Boil for another 1-2 minutes
9. Strain chai into a cup and serve

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