Indian herbal teas, often referred to as “herbal chai” or “tisanes,” are a delightful and healthful way to enjoy the flavors and therapeutic properties of various herbs, spices, and botanicals. Here’s a recipe for a traditional Indian herbal tea known as “Masala Chai,” which combines black tea with a blend of herbs and spices. Sounds refreshing!!
Ingredients:
- Water: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Black Tea: 1-2 teaspoons (or 1 tea bag)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Ginger: 1 small piece (about 1 inch), grated or thinly sliced
- Cinnamon: 1 small stick or 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Cardamom Pods: 2-3 whole green cardamom pods (lightly crushed) or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- Cloves: 2-3 whole cloves
- Black Pepper: 2-3 black peppercorns (lightly crushed)
- Bay leaf: 1 bay leaf
- Sweetener: Sugar or honey to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spices: In a mortar and pestle, crush the cardamom pods and black peppercorns lightly to release their flavors. If using ground spices, skip this step.
- Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add Spices and Tea: Add the grated or sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, crushed cardamom pods, and crushed black peppercorns to the boiling water. Let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tea Leaves: Add the black tea leaves or tea bag to the simmering spice-infused water. Allow it to steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and continue simmering the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the tea takes on a rich, brown color. Be careful not to let it boil over.
- Sweeten (Optional): If you like your tea sweetened, add sugar or honey to taste. Stir until it dissolves.
- Strain and Serve: Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the tea into cups or a teapot to remove the tea leaves and spices. Discard the solids.
- Enjoy: Sip your Indian herbal tea while it’s hot, savoring the aromatic blend of spices and soothing properties.
Masala Chai is a popular and beloved beverage in India, known for its warm and comforting qualities . It’s often enjoyed throughout the day and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it stronger, sweeter, or with less spice. Feel free to experiment with the spice proportions to create your perfect cup of Indian herbal tea.
