CHAI TEA
June 10, 2011 in Uncategorized
Beverages are a necessity in my life – I need to kick start my day with a morning cup of tea – can be either normal or herbal – and end my day with a nightcap of coffee – it’s almost a ritual. When Linda, my daughter, moved to London she told me that chai tea was very popular there and how delicious it is. I had done some research then and just never gotten round to doing anything about it –especially since I found that some of the coffee houses sell the most divine chai lattes.
The topic of chai tea came up when I was with some friends and it gave me the idea of doing a post. I tested some recipes and made some adjustments so that the taste is similar to what is sold in the coffee houses and more suited to our busy lifestyle. Some of the traditional recipes require about an hour of preparation and I reckon that one might die of thirst by then.
Chai is an Indian word for tea and over the past decade has grown in popularity. This ancient blend is made with brewed black tea, milk, honey, sugar or syrup, and a unique combination of spices that vary based on the specific recipe and individual taste. Spices typically include cinnamon, cloves, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, and cardamom.
According to ancient Indian health practices, the mix spices help to calm the mind and revitalize the spirit. In addition, chai is said to promote healthy digestion. I enjoy chai tea for its spicy deliciousness and because it’s a wonderful change from the normal and herbal teas – and it is said that variety spices up one’s life.
I wanted to keep the recipe simple and affordable and have refrained from adding a piece of vanilla pod which can make this chai a heavenly indulgence.
CHAI – 1 CUP
Saucepan
1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 teabag (not herbal – I used 5 roses teabag)
Honey / sugar (according to taste)
And the following spices lightly crushed – just enough to release flavours:
1 pod cardamom
2 pea sized fresh ginger
1 – 2 black pepper
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove
¼ tsp. fennel
Add all the ingredients into a deep saucepan and bring to boil, stirring continuously for 5 minutes and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
Strain into a cup and add sugar or honey according to taste and enjoy.
tandy.sinclair said on June 10, 2011
that sounds so easy to do! Have a great weekend
Sous-Chef said on June 10, 2011
I’m not a tea drinker I’m afraid, have a good weekend.
pinkpolkadot said on June 10, 2011
Wow, sounds wonderful – thanks for the recipe!! Have a great weekend!
HealthyVegetarianFoods said on June 20, 2011
I just saw this now–not sure how i missed it, but i have to have chai everyday and more than once a day. You know we Gujerathis only drink chai. I also have my own recipe that i got from my grandmother. I make a whole lot of the chai masala & keep it in the fridge. Nice Post
mitzireddy said on June 21, 2011
I am envious, Usha – u have been having this delicious tea always – for me its a treat. Dare I ask for your recipe for the chai marsala – knowing that its a family recipe.
HealthyVegetarianFoods said on June 21, 2011
Hi Mitzi thanks, i actually cannot drink ordinary tea. Yes i can share the recipe, however it is a long tedious process. but better still i can order from my aunt for you if you want it. Please let me know where in Joburg you live, and maybe you can come over and have a cup the famous Gujerathi chai.
mitzireddy said on June 22, 2011
thats so sweet, Usha. I live in Alberton.I enjoy chai only as treat. I am so used to drinking normal and herbal tea – I find herbal teas very soothing.I will only need a small qty of the tea marsala- what will that cost.
Thanks for the friendly response – always look out for your blogs.