Masala Chai Recipe

Masala Chai is the heartbeat of desi hospitality: strong black tea simmered with ginger, cardamom and warm spices, then mellowed with milk and sugar. Every household has its own blend, and this is a classic, well-balanced starting point.

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

15 mins

Servings

4 servings

Calories

140

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Assam tea leaves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, crushed
• 4 green cardamoms, crushed
• 2 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• 1 pinch black pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil with the ginger, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon and pepper if using.
2. Simmer for 2 minutes so the spices release their fragrance.
3. Add the tea leaves and boil for 2 minutes until the liquor turns deep and strong.
4. Pour in the milk and sugar, then bring to a rolling boil.
5. Pull the chai by pouring it from a height back into the pot, twice, to aerate it.
6. Simmer for 2 more minutes, then strain into cups and serve piping hot.

Pro tips

• Crushing the spices fresh releases far more aroma than using ground spices.
• Pulling the chai aerates it and gives a frothier, smoother cup.
• Adjust the milk-to-water ratio to your taste; more milk makes a softer, creamier chai.
• Do not over-boil the tea leaves, or the chai turns bitter.

Frequently asked questions