Masala chai an indigenous Indian blend of strong Assam CTC tea with robust and aromatic spices , has now traversed across the boundaries and is gaining quite a fame among other countries of the globe . Masala chai is making its presence in every tea lover’s collection and being admired and relished in every part of the world. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up tea , as an afternoon tea experience , as a comforting evening indulgence , with family or friends , as a cozy cup to warm you up in the winters or cherish the monsoon rains and whatnot — it’s the perfectly brewed cup of Masala chai that makes all these moments more delightful.
A Steaming hot cup of Homemade Masala chai is sure to delight the senses and warm the soul .
So here’s a checklist and a step by step guide to prepare that perfect wow cup of Masala chai. Lets have a look at the Ingredients and dwelve into the proper Method of making this magical tea .
Ingredients :-
1) Tea Leaves :-
Tea leaves are the base of your Masala chai . It is very important that you use fresh black tea leaves ( basically Assam CTC teas ). We would recommend using loose tea leaves rather than tea bags for better flavor and infusion. Assam CTC has malty , robust and brisk taste which enhances and mixes well with the spices to give that perfect kick of taste to your senses.
2) Spices :-
The word ” Masala ” in Masala Chai means spices. The hallmark of masala chai lies in its spices. Generally spices used are cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns , fennel seeds, tulsi leaves, mace , nutmeg . Spices add to the taste of tea and transport your taste buds to next level .
3) Milk :-
The richness of whole milk enhances the creamy texture of Masala chai. Different types of milk (whole, almond, soy, coconut) will give your chai unique flavors and textures. Try different kinds to find your favorite combination and relish . Some people also add cream of milk to the tea to make latte of masala chai. In India masala chai is mostly brewed with milk which adds a unique flavor and taste to the tea.
4) Sweeteners :-
Traditional masala chai often includes sweeteners like sugar, honey, or jaggery. One can tweak and set amount that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Its quite optional to use sweeteners, but here we are speaking about that perfect cup , so we would suggest adding sweeteners as per your choice and taste.
These were the basic ingredients required to make a perfect cup of Chai. Now lets dive deep into the method of preparing it in a proper and simple manner.
Method of making :-
Its very important to follow a recipe , because when things are made the way they should be made then the proper nuances of flavor are explored and things turn out to taste great. We recommend following these steps to exploit the maximum from your tea.
- Prepare the Spices: Begin by crushing or grinding the whole spices to release their essential oils. This step intensifies the flavor profile of the masala chai and adds a zing to the blend. Do not use stale spices , always use fresh spices that are odor free.
- Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil. For each cup of chai, use approximately 1 cup of water.
- Add Spices: Once the water reaches a boil, add the crushed spices to the saucepan. Allow them to simmer for a few minutes to infuse the water with their flavors.
- Add Tea Leaves: After simmering the spices, add the black tea leaves to the saucepan. For a single cup of chai, use about 1 teaspoon or 3 grams of Assam CTC tea leaves.
- Add Sweetener: Depending on your preference, add the desired amount of sweetener to the simmering mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.
- Incorporate Milk: Add milk to the above concoction, maintaining a ratio of 1:1 with the water. Adjust the amount of milk based on your desired level of creaminess and taste.
- Simmer and Strain: Allow the chai to simmer gently for a few minutes, ensuring that it doesn’t boil over. Once ready, strain the chai using a fine mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves and whole spices.
- Serve Hot: Pour the freshly brewed masala chai into cups or mugs. In India mostly cutting glasses are used to serve this tea . A hot piping cup of Masala chai is what every tea lover yearns for.
Tips for Perfection:
a) Keep your masala chai mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and flavor.
b) Adjust the sweetness and milk ratio according to personal taste preferences.
c) Serve the chai hot for the ultimate comforting experience.
d) Personalize your masala chai mix by including additional ingredients like dried rose petals .
e) Experiment with spice combinations to discover your preferred flavor profile. Allow the spices to simmer gently to extract their full flavor without overpowering the tea. If your chai mix is too strong or too mild, feel free to adjust the amount used per cup.
f) Always use loose leaf teas rather than teabags.
g) Try sourcing your teas from good suppliers who provide freshest of the lot.
Conclusion :-
Crafting the perfect cup of masala chai is a delightful journey that combines the warmth of tradition with the creativity of experimentation. Making of masala chai is not just about mixing spices with tea leaves; it’s an art form that requires precision, patience, and a touch of creativity . Whether enjoyed solo as a morning ritual or shared with loved ones during cozy gatherings, a well-made cup of masala chai has the power to uplift the spirit and tantalize the taste buds. So, embrace the art of chai-making and savor every sip of this soul-soothing elixir.
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