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Authentic Masala Chai Recipe: Your Cozy Cup of Indian Spiced Tea

Learn how to make delicious, aromatic masala chai at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy, whole milk recommended for richness
  • 4-6 teaspoons black tea leaves Assam or Darjeeling recommended
  • 3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste
  • 1- inch piece fresh ginger thinly sliced or grated
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 2-3 whole cloves
  • 1-2 black peppercorns
  • 1 small cinnamon stick about 1 inch

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sliced ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the spices simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse beautifully into the water.
  3. Add the milk and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer – be careful not to let it boil over.
  4. Once simmering, add the black tea leaves. Stir gently and let the chai brew for another 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired strength and color. The color should deepen to a rich amber.
  5. Carefully strain the masala chai through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs, catching all the spices and tea leaves. Discard the solids.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy the aromatic warmth!