Everyday Winter Chai

Everyday Winter Chai

2-4 Servings

2 tsp black tea powder or leaves (I like the Wagh Bakri and Society brands found at the Indian Market)

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ to ½ tsp ginger powder

¼ to ½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp ground fennel seed

¼ tsp ground cloves

⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

4-6 cardamom pods crushed or ¼ tsp cardamom powder

2 cups milk of your choice

4-6 Tbsp coconut sugar or other raw sugar. Do not use honey.

Put tea and all spices into a saucepan big enough to hold 5-6 cups of liquid. Add two cups of water and put to boil. Keep an eye on it as it comes to a boil, and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the milk and sugar and bring back just to a simmer. Do not turn your back on the chai at this point, it will boil over, this will make you sad. Avoid future suffering and watch the chai! Once it comes back to a simmer, quickly reduce the heat and let cook for 2 minutes more if you can wait, otherwise strain that beautiful chai and enjoy steaming hot like they do in India!

PRO TIP: Combine the spices (except cardamom pods, if using) in larger quantities to make your own chai masala blend. Then just add a ½ tablespoon to the pot with the tea to make your chai. You can also find very good chai masalas at the Indian Market and some good spice shops. I’ve even used pumpkin spice with added cardamom in a pinch.