CHAI TEA

Creamy and spicy chai tea is the tasty cure for the winter blues.

Steeping the spices and tea for different lengths infuses a wonderfully spicy flavor without releasing the bitterness caused by over steeping tea leaves. I enjoy this brew without sugar, but go ahead and add it if you'd like.

ingredients

  • 6 Cups of Water
  • 1 Cup of Milk
  • 1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar (approximate, optional)
  • 6 Cloves, whole
  • 6 Cardamon Pods
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • Ginger, about a 1/4" slice, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Black Tea
 

deviations & tips

  • Substitute coconut milk for the milk.
  • After the brew cools, transfer it to an airtight pitcher, and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or with a steam wand.
  • For parties transfer hot tea into an insulated and airtight carafe

Bring water and milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, stir in spices and sugar (if you're using it), and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the mixture doesn't boil over. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.

Bring mixture back to a boil. Stir in tea, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes. 

Strain though a coffee filter or fine mesh sieve. Serve hot.

Recipe adapted from:
Hobson, Wendy. The classic 1000 Indian recipes. London: Foulsham, 1994. Print.