Description
Smoky Masala Chai is a flavorful and aromatic Indian spiced tea that combines smoky black tea with warming spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns. This comforting drink is sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with milk, making it perfect for cozy moments or energizing mornings.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp loose-leaf smoky black tea, or 2 tea bags (such as Lapsang Souchong or Harney & Sons Black Cask Bourbon Tea)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Spices
- 4–5 black peppercorns
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise (optional)
Sweetener
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the spices: Slightly crush the cardamom pods to release their aroma. Gather all whole spices including black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
- Boil water with spices: In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water along with the crushed cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add tea leaves: Add 2 teaspoons of smoky black tea leaves or 2 tea bags to the boiling spiced water. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes until the tea is strong and infused with the smoky notes.
- Add milk and sweetener: Pour in 1 cup of milk and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. Stir to combine and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for another 5 minutes.
- Strain and serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into cups. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful beverage.
Notes
- You can use any milk of your choice including almond, oat, or cow’s milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, use Lapsang Souchong tea.
- Star anise is optional but adds a nice licorice note.
- Make sure not to boil the milk vigorously to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
