Description
Chai is the traditional spice tea in India. I also believe it’s the cure for the common cold. It’s spicy to help clear up your sinuses. And it’s hot so it soothes and makes you sleepy. So you’ll get a great night’s sleep!
Ingredients
- 1-½ cup Water
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 4 whole Black Cloves
- 5 whole Cardamom, In Pods
- 7 whole Black Peppercorns (optional)
- 2 bags British Tea-blend Tea Bags (or Loose Leaf Tea If You’d Like)
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 3 teaspoons Sugar
Preparation
The peppercorns are actually optional. I only use it when I’m sick because the spice and heat of the pepper helps clear up my sinuses!
Start by heating up 1 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
While the water heats up, break up the cinnamon stick so it’s easier to work with. Put the cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and peppercorns into a mortar and pestle.
Crush them until they’re coarse. Crushing them by hand like this will release the oils and bring out the real depth of flavor in each spice. This is your Chai mixture. Set this aside for a moment.
When the water is hot, add the tea bags and let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes.
Once the tea turns a nice mahogany color, add in the Chai mixture and cook/steep for another 5-10 minutes.
Take out the tea bags and pour the entire mixture into a glass measuring cup (for easy pouring).
With a strainer, pour the tea into your cup – the strainer will catch all the spices leaving you with the amazing Chai.
Add a couple splashes of milk until the Chai turns a nice chestnut color, and a few teaspoons of sugar. You want to add some sugar to help sweeten the tea.
Enjoy hot!
