Homemade Masala Chai Recipe by Uncommon Feasts
I love a good hot chai, especially on a day like today when it's cool, rainy and raw. By the way, where's Spring?
The spices and flavor of a great chai bring warmth and comfort to any hectic (or rainy!) day. For our son Nikko's Baby Shower (recently featured on Style Me Pretty Living) our caterer Michelle Mulford of Uncommon Feasts served up her delicious homemade chai to our guests. It was the perfect alternative to the expected and blah coffee or tea. We served it up in hand-thrown ceramic mugs by our friend and local potter, Jeremy Ogusky. Needless to say, one of my favorite details of our special day that Michelle and I wanted to share with all of you!
Scroll for her recipe!
Photo Elizabeth LaDuca
Photo Elizabeth LaDuca
What you'll need . . .
6 whole cloves
3/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves-preferably fresh
2 tablespoons Assam black tea or better yet if you’re near an Indian store pop in and see if they have Taj Mahal tea (remove tea from bags)
2 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups whole milk
2 cups water
How to make it . . .
1. Grind cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves and tea in a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or by hand using a mortar and pestle.
2. Add ground mixture to a medium size pot and add all remaining ingredients
3. Set over medium heat and cook until you start to see wisps of steam
4. Bring to boil while stirring constantly
5. Reduce heat and allow chai to simmer for 10 minutes
6. Remove from heat, cover and, steep for 20 minutes
7. Strain using a fine mesh strainer or pass through a strainer lined with cheese cloth
8. Sip and enjoy in your favorite mug