Tea is an integral part of Indian life, from morning rituals to evening conversations. For many people, a cup of tea sets the tone for the entire day, and the hot drink helps relieve fatigue in the evening. However, many who prepare tea at home complain that it does not achieve the rich and vibrant flavor note found in street stalls.
If you are facing this problem, there is no need to worry. A recipe for making chai masala is presented, which guarantees that your tea will taste like what is served at street vendors. If you like masala tea but are tired of having to add ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices separately, there is a simple way.
You can make this tea spice blend at home and store it in an airtight container. It contains spices that give the tea a strong aroma and a light spiciness. The advantage of this method is that after preparation, you only need to add a small amount of the mixture each time to instantly change the taste of regular tea.
Ingredients for Homemade Chai Masala
Creating this spicy blend does not require many ingredients; it can be made from spices that are easily found in the kitchen.
How to Prepare Chai Masala
To begin the process, all spices must be roasted. Place a pot over low heat and add cardamom, black pepper, large cardamom, small cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. These spices should be gently heated over low heat for about two to three minutes, avoiding high heat. As soon as the spices begin to emit a pleasant aroma, turn off the gas.
Afterward, transfer the hot spices onto a plate and allow them to cool completely. It is crucial not to grind the spices immediately after this step. Once they have cooled, add dried ginger, cardamom, and dried tulsi leaves to a food processor. Grind all components until you obtain a slightly coarse powdery mixture, without aiming for an absolutely fine grind.
The finished chai masala should be transferred into a clean and completely dry airtight container. It is important that no moisture gets into the container, otherwise, the mixture may spoil quickly.
How Much Masala to Add to a Cup of Tea?
When making tea, you can use approximately one-quarter to half a teaspoon of this masala per cup. If you prefer a more pronounced spicy flavor, you can increase the amount to your liking. After adding the masala, the tea must be allowed to boil well so that the aromas and flavors of the spices are fully dissolved in the milk and tea.
Thanks to this homemade masala, you will not have to prepare it every time. You just need to make it once and store it, then add a little of the mixture whenever you want to drink masala tea. Thus, ordinary tea acquires a completely different taste and aroma, which is especially useful for those who love masala tea but do not have time to add individual spices to every cup.