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 using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their flavor. Gather the black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise if using.
- Boil Water with Spices: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the crushed cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with the spice flavors.
- Add Tea Leaves: Add the smoky black tea leaves or tea bags to the simmering spice water. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred tea strength, stirring occasionally.
- Add Milk and Sweetener: Pour 1 cup of milk into the saucepan. Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar, adjusting to your taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Masala Chai: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer again and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching and to meld the flavors together.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the masala chai through a fine mesh strainer into cups to remove the tea leaves and spices. Serve hot and enjoy your smoky masala chai.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to make the chai sweeter or less sweet according to preference.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- The smoky black tea variety such as Lapsang Souchong is essential to achieve the signature smoky flavor.
- Star anise is optional but adds a lovely licorice note to the chai.
- Simmering the spices properly is key to extracting full flavor before adding the tea leaves and milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
