This delicious drink, also known as masala or spiced chai, combines milk and sugar with strong spices. It makes a delicious, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet drink. The recipes vary depending on region, climate, and preference. It is very versatile and a simple adjustment can make it more spicy, sweet, or savory.
Chai originated in India in the 1920’s. India was a main supplier of black tea leaves to England. However, most in India didn’t drink tea because it was an expensive habit. Adding spices to boiling water was already a part of Indian culture. People adapted tea to fit this tradition when it started spreading through India. Adding spices also reduced the amount of tea leaves needed to brew a cup. Chai means tea and tea means tea, so although it is commonly called chai tea, that is synonymous. It’s just chai.
Masala has many health benefits. The antioxidants (black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper) help boost the immune system. The anti-inflammatory properties (black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger) soothe sore muscles. It also helps aid digestion (black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper) as well as cognitive function (cinnamon, ginger). This tea also has antimicrobial and anti-fungal (ginger, cardamom) properties that help kill off harmful oral pathogens. Chai has a calming effect. It can help with anxiety (cardamom). It also assists in soothing pain (cinnamon), including headaches, menstrual pain, chronic pain, sore throats, and more. Chai has many benefits from the black tea. Black tea has a moderate amount of caffeine. It can increase energy and alertness. This happens without negative effects that come with excess caffeine intake. It also has antiviral properties. It is good for your skin. This is because it is high in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Black tea is also good for your teeth. It has been shown to contain compounds that attack harmful bacteria in the mouth. This helps prevent plaque buildup.
The Recipe!
Ingredients:
- 12 cardamom pods
- 3 star anise
- 5 whole black peppercorns
- 1 vanilla bean halved down the middle
- 10 whole cloves
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 4 in. piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 black tea bags
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 tbs brown sugar
- 3 whole allspice
Directions:
1. Crush the cardamom pods and black peppercorns, this helps bring out the flavor.
2. Bring all the ingredients except the tea bags to a boil in a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes
5. Pour the mixture through a strainer.
6. When you want to use the concentrate, combine with an equal amount of milk.
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