Cooking diary #6: Masala chai recipe (A perfect cup of warmth for a chilly day)

Be careful what you wish for...

When I was growing up, I used to love watching the cycle of all four seasons. Spring - when all nature is waking up from the deep slumber, summer with hot sun and blooming beauty everywhere, colorful autumn and gorgeous white winter. Due to that, it was pretty upsetting that this year winter came, but snow - never did. Until the last Monday! I could not believe my eyes when I woke up, looked through the window and - everything around was covered with the thick layer of snow! I guess I kept complaining so much that my wish finally came true!? Sadly it did not last long. All snow is gone now but a chilly weather was left behind. I guess we have to be more specific when we wish for something since it always backfires... Oh well.. because of this cold I had not only get my winter clothes back from the furthest corner of the wardrobe but remember a few winter'ish recipes as well to keep me properly warm.

So, this time I would like to share with you a simple recipe for the original Indian Chai tea. I was taught to brew it by my dear friend about ten years ago. It does not have to be brewed specifically during the cold season, but due to the lovely aroma of the spices and softness of taste, I find it to be a perfect beverage to comfort me during the chilly weather.

Ingredients

1 cinnamon stick (broken into pieces)
2 cardamom pods
4 cloves
a couple thin slices of fresh ginger
a pinch of ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of granulated brown sugar
2 tablespoons of black tea (can be decaf as well)
3 cups of water
1/2 cup of milk

Process

1. Crush or grind well the cloves and cardamon pods.
2. Brake into pieces cinnamon stick.
3. Add the crushed spices plus cinnamon, ginger slices, and pepper in a medium saucepan.
4. Add water and bring everything to boil.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
6. Add milk and sugar to the saucepan and while constantly stirring bring it near to boiling again.
7. Once it is about to boil - remove saucepan from the heat - add the tea and still well.
8. Cover the saucepan and let it rest for couple more minutes.
9. Stir the Chai before pouring into the tea cups.

As simple as that. Keep warm my friends!

Much love <3
@gretum