Masala Chai

I love a good cup of chai and this recipe taken from my friend Laura Silverman's Blog Glutton for Life is yummy. In my recent travels to India, I had the pleasure of enjoying a masala chai daily -actually several times a day. See Post "Tea Time." Indians drink chai like Americans drink coffee.  I thought it strange  to have such a warm drink in that horrid heat but somehow it was very soothing. I now store my own blend in a jar and  steep it when I need it throughout the day. I learned quickly from my host and long lost sister Ooshin-as she keeps in her kitchen in India. 

Masala Chai Recipe

(Makes 8 servings)

Ingredients:

• 8 whole cloves

• 6 green cardamom pods, crushed

• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 8 tablespoons black tea, like Assam

Directions:

Combine equal parts water and milk in a small saucepan (about ¾ cup of each for one large mug), adding 1-2 tablespoons of the masala chai per serving, and sweetener to taste, and slowly bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Then strain into cup and serve.Laura Silverman also makes a version with just green tea and cardamom that is delicious. You can customize your spice blend however you like, adding more or less of whatever appeals to you. It’s also nice to use fresh ginger.