There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. This cardamom chai tea recipe is more than just a drink; it's an experience. It's a journey to the bustling streets of India, a moment of tranquility in your busy day, a delicious and healthy treat. Whether you're a seasoned chai lover or a curious beginner, this easy recipe will guide you to brewing the perfect cup. Get ready to indulge in the rich, fragrant, and subtly sweet flavors of homemade cardamom chai.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes two servings of delicious cardamom chai tea. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea (Assam or English Breakfast work well) or 4-5 tea bags
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (or to taste)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Begin by lightly crushing the cardamom pods. This releases their aromatic oils, intensifying the flavor of your chai. You can use a mortar and pestle or simply crush them gently with the back of a spoon.
Brewing the Chai:
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In a small saucepan, combine water, ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the spices to infuse the water with their delicious flavors.
Adding Tea & Milk:
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Add the black tea (loose leaf or tea bags) and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in the milk and heat gently for a few more minutes, but do not boil. Boiling the milk after adding it can curdle it and affect the taste.
Sweetening and Serving:
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Remove from heat and strain the chai tea through a fine-mesh sieve into two mugs.
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Sweeten with honey or maple syrup according to your preference. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Tips for the Perfect Cup:
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like star anise, nutmeg, or even a pinch of black pepper for a unique flavor profile.
- Milk Matters: The type of milk you use can significantly impact the taste and texture of your chai. Experiment with different milk alternatives to find your favorite.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your liking. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh spices will provide the most vibrant and aromatic chai.
Variations:
- Masala Chai: Add a pinch of black pepper for a more traditional Masala Chai flavor.
- Spiced Chai Latte: Add a shot of espresso or strong coffee for a delicious chai latte.
- Iced Chai: Brew the chai as directed, let it cool completely, and then serve it over ice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of milk and sweetener used. This is an estimate using whole milk and honey:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 8-12g
Enjoy your wonderfully warming and flavorful homemade cardamom chai tea! It’s the perfect healthy beverage for any time of day. This quick dinner idea is also a great alternative to sugary drinks, providing a delicious and healthy way to relax and unwind. Share this easy recipe with your friends and family – happy brewing!