Spiced Indian Masala Chai Recipe – Cinnamon & Cardamom Tea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spiced Indian Masala Chai Recipe – Cinnamon & Cardamom Tea

Introduction

There’s just something about a warm mug of Masala Chai that feels like a hug from the inside, isn’t there? It’s more than just a drink; it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a little piece of home. I remember learning to make this from my nani (grandmother) – she always said the secret was in the spices, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong! Today, I’m sharing her recipe with you, a simple yet incredibly flavorful Cinnamon & Cardamom Masala Chai that you can whip up in just a few minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Masala Chai recipe is perfect for a cozy morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a relaxing evening. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is completely customizable to your spice preferences. Plus, the aroma while it’s brewing is divine! It’s a little taste of India in every sip.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect cup of Masala Chai:

• 0.5 cup (120ml) water
• 0.5 tbsp (approx. 7.5g) tea powder
• 1 small cinnamon stick (approx. 5cm)
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 whole cardamom pods
• 0.5 cup (120ml) milk
• Sugar to taste (approx. 1-2 tsp or 5-10g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tea: I usually use a strong Assam tea for a robust flavor, but Darjeeling tea works beautifully too, offering a more floral note. You can even experiment with a blend!
• Milk: Full-fat milk creates the creamiest chai, but feel free to use low-fat milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer – oat milk and almond milk are both delicious options.
• Spices: This recipe focuses on cinnamon and cardamom, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Some regions in India love adding a pinch of nutmeg, a little black pepper, or even a star anise.
• Cardamom: Lightly crushing the cardamom pods before adding them releases more flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing!

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, tea powder, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This allows the tea to brew and the spices to really infuse into the water.
2. Now, pour in the milk and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to overflow!
3. Add sugar to your liking and stir until it’s completely dissolved. I usually start with a teaspoon and add more if needed.
4. Finally, strain the tea into your favorite cup or mug, discarding the spices. And that’s it! Serve hot and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overboil: Overboiling the tea can make it bitter. Gentle simmering is key.
• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste.
• Fresh is best: Using fresh, whole spices will give you the most flavorful chai.

Variations

Masala Chai is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Masala Chai: Simply substitute the dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk. Oat milk is my go-to for a creamy texture.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a spicier chai, add a pinch of ground ginger or a tiny piece of chili. My friend, Priya, loves adding a little black pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, my family adds a pinch of saffron for a luxurious touch. For Holi, we sometimes use rose-flavored syrup for a fragrant twist.
• Ginger Variation: Add a small piece (about 1cm) of grated ginger along with the other spices for a warming, zesty chai.

Serving Suggestions

Masala Chai is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a little something on the side. I love pairing it with:

• Traditional Indian biscuits (like Parle-G!)
• Khakhra (a crispy Gujarati snack)
• A slice of homemade cake

Storage Instructions

While Masala Chai is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavor might mellow slightly, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions about Masala Chai:

• Is Masala Chai good for you? Absolutely! Tea is rich in antioxidants, and the spices like cinnamon and cardamom have various health benefits. Just be mindful of the sugar content.
• What type of tea is best for Masala Chai? Assam and Darjeeling are popular choices, but you can experiment with different black teas to find your favorite.
• Can I make Masala Chai ahead of time? You can brew the spiced tea concentrate ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add milk and sugar when you’re ready to drink it.
• How do I adjust the sweetness of Masala Chai? Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste. You can also use honey or other sweeteners.
• What is the difference between Masala Chai and regular Chai? “Chai” simply means tea in Hindi. Masala Chai specifically refers to tea that has been spiced with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.