Description
True Indian chai is a far cry from the watered-down coffeehouse version. Authentic chai is made with thick buffalo milk, considerably too much sugar, black tea, and cardamom pods–-if you’re lucky.
Ingredients
- 4 whole Cardamom Pods, Cracked
- 2-¼ cups Water
- 5 whole Black Tea Bags, Or 1/4 Cups Loose Tea Leaves
- 1 whole Star Anise
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- ¼ cups Sugar
- 2 cups Whole Milk Or Half-and-Half
Preparation
Press the cardamom pods until they crack. Bring the water, tea, star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom to a boil.
Boil for 3-5 minutes until the tea is black and has reduced to about 2 cups. Strain and add the sugar. Add the milk and stir until hot.
Place the used cardamom pods in the bottom of the cups for good friends.
Makes 4 American-sized servings or 12 (or more) Indian-sized servings.
