Authentic Indian Chai Recipe – Masala Tea with Black Tea Leaves

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Chai Recipe – Masala Tea with Black Tea Leaves

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more comforting than a warm mug of masala chai? For me, it’s pure nostalgia. I remember my grandmother making this every afternoon, the aroma filling the whole house. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for authentic Indian chai, so you can experience that same warmth and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a chai recipe, it’s the chai recipe you’ll reach for again and again. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore the wonderful world of Indian spices. Seriously, once you start making chai at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made! It’s so much fresher and you can tailor it exactly to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• ½ cup milk (about 120ml)
• ½ cup water (about 120ml)
• 1 tsp sugar (about 4 grams) – or to taste!
• ¼ tsp tea masala (about 1 gram)
• 1 tsp black tea leaves (about 2-3 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because a few little tweaks can make a big difference!

Milk – Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options: Traditionally, chai is made with full-fat milk for a richer, creamier texture. But honestly? Use whatever you prefer! Low-fat or even plant-based milks work beautifully. Just know the flavor will be slightly different.

Water – Quality Considerations: Good water makes a good chai. Filtered water is always best, as it doesn’t have any unwanted flavors that could interfere with the spices.

Sugar – Regional Preferences & Alternatives: Sugar is pretty standard, but feel free to experiment! Jaggery (gur) adds a lovely caramel-like flavor, and honey or maple syrup are great natural alternatives. In some parts of India, they even use condensed milk for extra sweetness and richness.

Tea Masala – Exploring Different Blends & Homemade Options: This is where things get fun! Tea masala is a blend of warming spices – cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper are common. You can buy pre-made blends, or make your own! Making your own lets you control the spice levels perfectly.

Black Tea Leaves – Assam, Darjeeling, or CTC?: Assam tea gives a strong, robust flavor, perfect for a morning chai. Darjeeling is more delicate and floral. CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) is a common choice for everyday chai – it creates a lovely, strong brew and gives the chai a nice color.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. First, pour the milk, water, sugar, and tea masala into a saucepan. Give it a little stir to combine everything.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to overflow! Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and release the flavors of the masala.
3. Once it’s boiling, add the black tea leaves. Immediately switch off the heat and cover the pan. This is important! Covering it helps the tea steep properly.
4. Let the chai steep for 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic happens. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
5. Finally, strain the chai through a fine sieve into your favorite mug. And that’s it! Serve hot and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overboil: Overboiling can make the chai bitter.
• Adjust to taste: Feel free to add more sugar or tea masala to suit your preferences.
• Simmer, don’t boil vigorously: A gentle simmer is key for extracting the best flavors.
• Warm the milk: Warming the milk slightly before adding it to the saucepan can help it blend better.

Variations

Now for the fun part – customizing your chai!

Vegan Chai: Simply swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based alternative – almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work well.

Spice Level Adjustments – Mild, Medium, Spicy: If you like a milder chai, reduce the amount of tea masala. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or a tiny piece of green chili! My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy chai – she adds a few black peppercorns too.

Festival Adaptations – Chai for Diwali or Holi: During festivals, some families add a pinch of saffron to their chai for a touch of luxury and color.

Ginger-Forward Chai: My mom always adds a small piece of grated ginger to her chai. It’s incredibly warming and comforting, especially during the colder months.

Variations in Tea Strength: Play around with the amount of tea leaves. More tea leaves = stronger chai. Less tea leaves = milder chai.

Serving Suggestions

Chai is wonderful on its own, but it’s also lovely with a side of biscuits or a small sweet treat. In India, it’s often served with khakhra (a thin, crispy cracker) or namak pare (savory, flaky biscuits).

Storage Instructions

Chai is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavor might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

What is the difference between chai and regular tea?

Chai literally means “tea” in Hindi, but in the West, it usually refers to masala chai – black tea brewed with milk, sugar, and spices. Regular tea is typically just black tea brewed with water.

Can I make chai ahead of time?

You can make the chai concentrate ahead of time (before adding the tea leaves). Store it in the refrigerator and then simply add the tea leaves and heat it up when you’re ready to drink.

What is the best type of milk to use for chai?

It really depends on your preference! Full-fat milk creates a richer chai, but any milk will work.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my chai?

Start with 1 teaspoon of sugar and add more to taste. Remember you can also use other sweeteners like jaggery, honey, or maple syrup.

What are the health benefits of masala chai?

Masala chai contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from the spices. Ginger can aid digestion, and cardamom is known for its calming effects.

Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?

While loose leaf tea is preferred for the best flavor, you can use tea bags in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor might not be as strong or complex.