Indian love for Chai is well known. It’s enjoyed in many homes around the world – wherever Indians go, Chai goes along!

Masala Chai translates to Spice Blend Tea. It is conventionally made by brewing tea leaves along with freshly ground warm spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Also, to balance the heavy spice flavor, milk and sugar are typically added to this type of tea while brewing.

Although the basic recipe remains the same, everyone adds their little twist while making that cup of pure pleasure. Plus, we all have our ways of enjoying it. Some like it with company and some savor it in silence. Many of us need it to power through a jam-packed day, while some need it to fight boredom.

Whatever the way is, for chai lovers – it’s always promised ecstasy!

For me, the dopamine rush begins as soon as I start heating up water for my mega cups of morning Chai. Then adding the cardamom, cloves and ginger to let the spices simmer, fills up the kitchen with what I consider the best aroma in the world.

Follow this up with tea leaves, a little bit of milk, any sweetener of your choice (mine is jaggery) and you have a cup of bliss to brighten up your day!

I truly believe this version of Chai has been a great companion on my wellness journey. The spices are anti-inflammatory, immunity-boosting, appetite-regulating and what’s more – this beverage is mood-enhancing too!

Recipe :

makes 2 cups of masala chai

1. Cardamom – 6 pods
2. Cloves – 3 buds
3. Ginger 2 inch stick
4. Water – 2.5 cups
5. Milk – 1/2 cup
6. Sweetener of choice – I use a teaspoon of jaggery powder

Bring to boil two cups of water. Add ground cardamom and cloves to boiling water. I use a pestle and mortar to grind my spices. To this, add grated ginger. Allow this spice concoction to boil for 3-4 minutes. Follow it up by adding 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of tea leaves. After the tea brews for 3-4 minutes, add milk. Let this simmer for a good 5 minutes. Lastly, add sweetener of choice and strain into your favorite mugs. Enjoy it hot!

Is it ok to drink Masala Chai every morning ?

Oh definitely, yes! Black tea contains polyphenols, which help the body prevent many chronic diseases. Masala Chai in particular, even better, because it’s a blend of herbs and spices brewed with black tea leaves. Spices like ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon boost the antioxidant potential of this drink to the next level.

Is it ok to drink Masala Chai in the evening ?

Yes, as long as its 3 hours before bedtime, It can be a nice relaxant and not interfere with your sleep cycle.

Check this article out for a full list of benefits from black tea.

Chai Hacks

1. If fresh spices are not handy, you can either make your spice blend at home or buy readymade Chai Masala in stores. I love the Spicewalla Masala Chai and use it for travel. By the way this spice blend can be used to liven up your baked goods too !!!
2. When making tea at home, I use a regular tea strainer that looks like this one from OXO. But for travel, these infuser tea filters come in very handy.
3. During the warmer months of the year, adding mint leaves to masala chai gives a fun minty twist to the drink.
4. For the dairy free folks, the recipe above allows for just replacing milk with any dairy free version of your choice like almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk.

Last but not the least, your lovely chai cup/mug is a key contributor to that wonderful masala chai experience!

So, I have invested in a few good ones and absolutely love the experience they help create!

Cheers to Masala Chai ! Enjoy !