How To Make Perfect Masala Tea | Milk Tea

Indian masala tea, commonly known as chai, is a delightful and aromatic beverage that originated in India. It is made by brewing black tea with milk and a blend of spices and herbs, creating a flavorful and invigorating drink that is enjoyed throughout the country and beyond.

The key ingredients in Indian masala tea typically include black tea leaves, milk, water, sugar, and a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The proportions of these ingredients can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations.

To prepare Indian masala tea, water, and milk are heated together in a pot, along with the spices and tea leaves. The mixture is then simmered until the flavors are infused, creating a rich and aromatic brew. Sweetener, usually sugar, is added to taste, and the tea is then strained and served hot.

Indian masala tea is cherished for its warming properties and bold flavors, making it a popular choice for breakfast, afternoon tea, or simply as a comforting beverage to enjoy any time of the day. It is often served alongside snacks or sweets, further enhancing the overall tea-drinking experience.

As you can see below there are many different combinations and try some of them and find your favourite!

Simple Milk Tea

Enjoy the comforting essence of this classic tea, steeped in tradition and flavor. A harmonious blend of milk, water, sugar, and fragrant tea powder creates a brew that warms the soul with every sip.

• 1 cup (250 ml) milk
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 1 Tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons tea powder

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk (2%) and 1 cup of water. Add 1 tablespoons of sugar.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. When small bubbles start forming on the sides and it begins to boil, add 2 teaspoons of tea powder.
3. Stir continuously and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
4. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and continue stirring. If using tea powder, simmer for only 30 seconds. Be cautious not to overboil as it can alter the taste.
5. Turn off the heat and immediately strain the tea.
6. Serve hot. When pouring, start close to the cup surface and gradually increase the distance to create bubbles.

Medium Strong Milk Tea

• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons tea powder
• 1 cup hot milk
• Sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of tea powder. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the tea to infuse into the water.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 cup of milk separately until hot but not boiling.
4. After simmering the tea, reduce the mixture to approximately 3/4 cup.
5. Pour the hot milk into the tea mixture and cover with the lid again. Let it simmer for an additional minute.
6. Sweeten with sugar if desired
7. Increase the heat slightly and stir the mixture until it comes to a gentle boil.
8. Remove from heat and strain the tea into cups.
9. To create froth, pour the tea back and forth between cups from a height 2-3 times.
10. Serve hot.

Classic Tea with Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon tea powder

Instructions:

1. In separate saucepans, heat 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water over medium heat until they are hot but not boiling.
2. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of tea powder to the boiling water. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and slowly pour in the hot milk. Let the mixture boil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Using a fine sieve, strain the tea into a cup to remove any tea leaves.
6. To create bubbles, pour the tea from a height into the cup 2-3 times.
7. Enjoy your classic tea with milk!

Strong Masala Tea

• 2 cups water
• 3 cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 clove
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons tea powder
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add crushed ginger, 3 cardamom pods, 1 clove, and a small piece of cinnamon stick to the boiling water. Let it boil for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tea powder and continue to boil for another 30 seconds or until about 1/2 cup of water evaporates, maintaining medium heat.
4. Pour in 2 cups of milk and bring the mixture to a boil again.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the tea.
6. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Then strain the tea into cups and serve. When pouring, start close to the cup surface and gradually increase the distance to create bubbles.

Masala Tea with Ginger

• 1/2-inch piece of ginger
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 clove
• 1 small piece of cinnamon
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 2 teaspoons tea powder
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot milk
• 1 -1 1/2 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of water over medium heat.
2. Add the cardamom pods, clove, cinnamon, and ginger to the water. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, add 2 teaspoons of tea powder to the water and spices. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in 1 cup of hot milk. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the chai. Stir for another 30 seconds.
6. Turn off the heat and strain the chai to remove the spices.
7. To create froth, pour the chai back and forth between cups 2-3 times.
8. Enjoy the delightful flavors of spiced chai!

North Indian Style Masala Chai

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2-inch piece of ginger, crushed
• 2 crushed cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 Tablespoon tea powder
• 3 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the crushed ginger, 2 crushed cardamom pods, and cloves. Let it boil for 30 seconds.
3. Add 1 Tablespoon tea leaves to the simmering water. After 15 seconds, stir in 3 teaspoons of sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of room-temperature milk. Let it boil for another minute over medium heat.
5. Immediately strain the tea into cups. When pouring, start close to the cup surface and gradually increase the distance to create bubbles.
6. Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic masala chai!

What type of tea leaves should I use to make Indian masala tea?

Traditionally, strong black tea leaves are used to make Indian masala tea. Assam or Ceylon varieties work well, as they can stand up to the bold flavors of the spices.

How do I achieve a frothy texture in masala tea?

To create froth, you can use a traditional Indian technique called “pulling” or simply pour the tea back and forth between two cups from a height. This helps to aerate the tea and create a creamy texture on top. Alternatively, you can use a frother or immersion blender to froth the milk before adding it to the tea.

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