Masala chai
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Black tea boiled with milk, sugar, ginger and spices. India's everyday drink, served at home, at roadside stalls and at railway stations.
Region: All of IndiaOccasion: Morning and evening, every dayTime: 10 minServes: 2Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp loose black tea (CTC)
- 2–3 tsp sugar, to taste
- 1-inch piece of ginger, crushed
- 2 green cardamoms, crushed
- 2 cloves (optional)
- A small piece of cinnamon (optional)
- 2 black peppercorns, crushed (optional)
Method
- Bring the water to a boil with the ginger and spices. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the tea leaves and boil for 1 minute until the water is dark.
- Add the milk and sugar and bring to a boil.
- Let it rise and lower the heat two or three times so the tea becomes strong and creamy.
- Strain into cups and serve hot.
History
Tea is grown on a large scale in Assam, Darjeeling, the Nilgiris and other hills of India. Drinking strong milky tea became widespread across the country in the 20th century.
Significance
Chai is offered to every guest and fuels conversation in homes, offices and roadside stalls. India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of tea.