Description
Smoky Masala Chai is a richly flavored Indian spiced tea made by blending smoky black tea with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and optional star anise. Sweetened with brown sugar and combined with creamy milk, this warm and comforting beverage is ideal for relaxing moments or kickstarting your day with a delicious boost of flavor and aroma.
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 Spice Mix: In a small bowl, lightly crush the green cardamom pods to release their flavor. Gather the black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise if using.
- Boil Spices and Water: In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water along with all the spices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse for about 5 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors into the water.
- Add the Tea: Stir in the smoky black tea leaves or tea bags into the boiling spiced water. Reduce heat to low and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired strength and smokiness.
- Incorporate Milk and Sweetener: Pour 1 cup of milk into the saucepan with the tea. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar depending on sweetness preference. Stir gently and bring the mixture back to a simmer, taking care not to let it boil over.
- Simmer and Blend Flavors: Allow the chai to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes on low heat. This step lets the milk absorb the spicy and smoky notes, creating a harmonious, creamy blend.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the Smoky Masala Chai into cups to remove the tea leaves and spices. Serve hot for the best taste and experience.
Notes
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to suit your sweetness preference or substitute with honey or other sweeteners.
- You can use dairy or any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy according to dietary needs.
- For a stronger smoky flavor, increase the tea steeping time slightly, but avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.
- Star anise is optional but adds a nice licorice aroma if included.
- To make a larger batch, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
