The Indian traditional chai, also known as masala chai, is a popular beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries in India and other parts of the world. Chai is a blend of tea, spices, milk, and sugar, and is typically prepared by simmering these ingredients together over low heat.

The exact recipe for chai can vary depending on the region and personal preference, but common ingredients include black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Some variations may also include peppercorns, star anise, or fennel seeds.

Chai is often served in small cups and enjoyed throughout the day, particularly in the morning or afternoon. In India, chai is often served by street vendors or in small tea shops, and is a popular social beverage that is shared among friends and colleagues.

In addition to its delicious taste, chai is also believed to have a variety of health benefits. Black tea, which is the base ingredient of chai, contains antioxidants and may help to improve heart health, digestion, and mental alertness. The spices used in chai are also believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

The Indian tradition of chai is a beloved and culturally significant part of daily life in India and beyond. Whether enjoyed alone or with friends, chai is a warm and comforting beverage that can help to nourish the body and soul.

The British tea tradition is closely linked to India, as it was through their colonial rule in India that the British became familiar with the tea plant and its consumption. The British East India Company, which was established in the early 17th century, began importing tea from China in the mid-17th century. However, due to the high cost of tea from China, the British East India Company began exploring the possibility of cultivating tea in India.

In the early 19th century, the British East India Company began cultivating tea in the Darjeeling region of India, and later in Assam and other parts of the country. The British also established tea plantations in Sri Lanka, which was then known as Ceylon.

As the British began to cultivate tea in India, they also developed a taste for Indian-style tea, which was often prepared with milk and sugar and brewed with a blend of spices. This Indian-style tea eventually became popular in Britain, and is now known as “chai” in many parts of the world.

So, while the British tea tradition has its roots in China, it was through their colonial rule in India that the British became familiar with and developed a taste for Indian-style tea, which has become an important part of their tea culture.

Here I share with you three different recipes for a Chai, remember you can always modify certain ingredients and create your own according to your taste, Dosha and need.

Enjoy your Chai

Recipe 1: Traditional Indian Masala Chai

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons black tea leaves
• 1-2 teaspoons jaggery or brown sugar
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1-2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the tea leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and ginger. Bring to a boil again and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the milk and sugar or jaggery, and bring to a boil again.
4. Strain the chai into cups and serve hot.

Recipe 2: Spiced Apple Chai

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup apple juice
• 2-3 black tea bags
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Honey, to taste
• Milk, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring water and apple juice to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags and spices, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
4. Add honey and milk, if desired.
5. Serve hot.

Recipe 3: Vanilla Rooibos Chai

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 rooibos tea bags
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• Honey, to taste
• Milk, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the rooibos tea bags, cinnamon stick, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla bean.
3. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
5. Add honey and milk, if desired.
6. Serve hot.