Basically, masala is a collection of spices. That is, “masala chai” is a set of spices for Indian milk tea. The number and types of spices can vary, as there is no fixed combination, but there are main spices traditionally used for this drink. Traditionally, “warm” spices are added to masala tea – for example, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, fennel seeds.
How to make masala tea?
Cardamom usually dominates when supplemented with cloves. You can also use fresh ginger instead of dried ginger. Other possible ingredients for masala tea may include nutmeg, licorice root, saffron, almonds, rose petals. You can also substitute any spices you like – for example, use nutmeg instead of cloves and saffron instead of cinnamon. A set of spices for masala tea can be prepared either independently or purchased in special stores in the form of a powder.
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It is believed that strong brewed masala tea can kill the feeling of thirst or hunger. The higher amount of nutmeg in tea has an invigorating effect and can be easily replaced with morning coffee. Drinking masala tea also normalizes digestion, improves immunity, helps with colds, and helps to lift the spirit.
Recipe tea masala
Ingredients: 1 liter of milk of any fat content, 3 tsp. black leaf tea, sugar or honey, spices – cardamom, cinnamon, ginger root, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, anise.
Preparation: Soak black tea in cold water for a couple of minutes to swell. Grind all spices properly – for example, in a coffee grinder. Cardamom can not be peeled, but grinded. Grate the ginger. If fresh ginger is not available, use dried powder. Rinse the pan with cold water to prevent the milk from burning. Pour milk into a saucepan, add sugar or honey, swollen tea. Bring milk to a boil. Add all the spices and ginger. Reduce heat to low, simmer tea for 3-5 minutes. Once the mixture is creamy, remove the pan from heat, cover tightly and leave for 5 minutes. Strain the drink into cups.
If the masala tea itself seems unusual or very spicy to you, you do not have to drink it in its pure form – add a little to your morning coffee or black tea to start.