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Chai, pronounced with a long "i" as in the word tie, is the actual word for
tea in many countries. It
is also called masala chai Masala meaning
"spiced"). It is a centuries-old beverage from India which is
basically black tea brewed with selected spices and milk. The spices
vary from recipe to recipe, but is traditionally consumed hot and sweet. Play with the
flavors and make this tea your own! This is a great alternative to
coffee.
Chai Tea - Masala Chai - Spiced Milk Tea
Recipe Type:
Beverage,
Tea Drinks
Yields: 3 cups
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients:
2 cups water
3 black tea bags or 1 tablespoon loose organic black tea*
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole green cardamom pods, crushed or about 1/4 teaspoon seeds
4 whole cloves
Dash nutmeg
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
1 (6-inch) piece vanilla bean (cut up into 1-inch pieces) or 1 teaspoon
pure vanilla extract
4 black peppercorns
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups low fat or whole milk
*
Decaffeinated tea leaves can also be used, but increase the amount of
tea by either 1 teaspoon loose tea or 1 tea bag to make up for the loss
in flavor.
Preparation:
In a
large saucepan, add the water, tea bags, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods,
cloves, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla bean, peppercorns and brown sugar. Bring
just to a boil; then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for
approximately 5 minutes depending on how strong a spice flavor you want.
Add milk and slowly bring just to simmer (do not boil the milk), then
remove from heat. Strain mixture through strainer or coffee filters;
press on the spices and tea with a spoon to extract all the fragrant
liquids.
NOTE: Many people make the tea base ahead
of time, adding the milk when they are ready to serve.
Serve hot
or in a tall glass filled with ice.
Store
unused portion in the refrigerator.
Makes 3
cups.
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