Indian Masala Chai – Spiced Milk Tea

Indian Masala Chai

Indian Masala Chai sits on the top of the pyramid for any Indian across the globe when it comes to variety of teas. Unlike most places, Indians, Pakistanis and British add milk to their tea, which comes as a surprise to a lot of people.

Indian Masala Chai is a delicious and aromatic spiced tea that is popular throughout India. Here’s a recipe for making masala chai at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water.
• 2 cups milk.
• 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves or 2 tea bags.
• 2-3 teaspoons sugar, adjust to taste.
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped.
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed.
• 2-3 whole cloves.
• 1 small cinnamon stick.
• A pinch of ground black pepper – optional.
• A pinch of ground nutmeg -optional.

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, black pepper, and nutmeg to the boiling water. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the loose tea leaves or tea bags to the saucepan. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the milk and sugar. Stir well and let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chai simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the masala chai using a fine-mesh sieve into cups or a teapot.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of spices, milk, or sugar based on your liking. Some people also like to add a dash of ground cinnamon or a few strands of saffron for extra flavor.

Masala chai is often enjoyed with biscuits, snacks, or traditional Indian treats like samosas or pakoras. It’s a perfect beverage to savour and unwind, especially during chilly weather or when you crave a comforting and aromatic drink.

Note: The recipe provided is a basic masala chai recipe. Different regions and households in India may have their variations and proportions of spices, so feel free to experiment and customize the recipe according to your preferences.

Cutting Chai

The story of cutting chai is an interesting and quintessentially Indian tale. In India, “chai” refers to tea, and “cutting chai” is a term used to describe a small, strong, and flavorful cup of tea.

The origins of cutting chai can be traced back to Mumbai, formerly Bombay, a bustling city known for its fast-paced lifestyle and vibrant street culture. In the mid-20th century, when the textile mills were thriving in Mumbai, workers needed a quick and affordable way to enjoy tea during their short breaks. That’s when the concept of cutting chai was born.

The term “cutting” in cutting chai refers to the method of making the tea. Instead of brewing a full-sized cup, the tea vendor would prepare a large pot of tea and then “cut” it by pouring half a cup into a smaller glass. This way, more people could be served with the same quantity of tea, and it was also an economical option for the customers.

Cutting chai became popular not only among the working-class population but also among college students, office-goers, and locals who wanted a quick and refreshing beverage. It soon became an integral part of Mumbai’s tea culture and spread to other cities and regions in India.

Today, cutting chai is served at numerous tea stalls, roadside stalls, and Irani cafes across the country. It is typically made with a blend of strong black tea leaves, milk, and a combination of aromatic spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves. The tea is brewed in a pot, simmered for a while to infuse the flavors, and then poured into small glasses or kulhads (earthen cups).

So, the story of cutting chai showcases the ingenuity of the tea vendors, the need for a quick and affordable beverage, and the love for tea that is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. It has become more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of community, socializing, and a delightful part of everyday life in India.

Have you read our article on Masala chaas, a cooling yogurt drink from India? Find out how it is different from Ayran, Doogh, and Laban which are also made from yogurt.