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One of the most requested Indian basic recipes was chai. Now every desi family has their own recipe for chai. Some use whole spices, some use a ground chai masala, some use more water, some use all milk. Everyone has their own version. To be honest, there is no such thing as “authentic chai”. In my opinion, to call it chai, it must be made with mostly milk, made in a saucepan and made with CTC black tea.
CTC tea is tea made with black tea that is crushed, torn and curled. It’s lesser quality tea that’s been processed and oxidized. It was originally made by the British as a low-cost tea for Indians. For that real desi chai flavor, you have to use the cheap stuff and leave the whole loose leaf tea for your fancy water-based teas.
I learned how to make chai from my maternal grandmother. It was the first thing I ever made and it eventually was my job. I made chai every morning and whenever we had guests. If you do decide to make my grandmother’s chai, be sure to share a photo with me on Instagram!
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Masala Chai
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy masala chai recipe that I learned from my grandmother!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add water, tea, and sugar and mix well. Once it comes to a boil add milk and spices. Give it a stir and let it come to a boil, but watch it carefully If you’re using dairy milk the milk will simmer up the sides of the pan, when it starts simmering up the side, remove it from heat and stir it. Return it to the heat and simmer the milk up the sides of the pan 2 more times. Strain the chai into your mug and top off with extra milk ( about 1-2 tablespoons) to cool.
- Prep Time: 1 min
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: Indian
