Description
Smoky Masala Chai is a flavorful and aromatic Indian spiced tea that combines smoky black tea with warming spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and optionally star anise. This comforting drink is sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with milk, offering a perfect blend of smokiness, spice, and creamy sweetness ideal 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
- Boil water with spices: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with black peppercorns, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and star anise if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add smoky black tea: Add 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf smoky black tea or 2 tea bags to the simmering spiced water. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes until the tea infuses the water with a rich smoky flavor.
- Pour in milk and sweeten: Stir in 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Increase heat slightly and bring the chai back to a gentle simmer, allowing the milk to warm and the sugar to dissolve completely, approximately 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent milk from boiling over.
- Strain the chai: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh strainer into cups, filtering out the tea leaves and spices for a smooth, clean beverage.
- Serve hot: Serve the smoky masala chai hot for the best comforting and aromatic experience, great for mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness with brown sugar according to your preference.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, oat, or any preferred non-dairy milk for a vegan option.
- To intensify the smoky flavor, opt for a strong smoky black tea like Lapsang Souchong.
- Star anise is optional but adds a delightful licorice-like note to the chai.
- Make sure to simmer gently after adding milk to avoid curdling.
- This recipe yields two servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
