「Indian Masala Chai」

Ingredients and amounts

• 120ml water
• 120ml whole milk
• 8g black tea (about 2 teaspoons)
• 5g ginger (about 1cm piece), crushed
• 2 green cardamom pods, cracked open
• 1 small cinnamon stick (about 2cm)
• 2 cloves
• 2 black peppercorns, crushed
• 10-15g sugar (adjust to taste)

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Crush the ginger (do not chop finely; just crack to release juice).

2. 2

   Step 2

   Crack the cardamom pods with the back of a knife to expose the seeds.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Crush the black peppercorns.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Pour 120ml water into a small saucepan.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Add the crushed ginger, cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and crushed peppercorns.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 2 minutes to release the spice flavors.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Add 8g black tea and continue to simmer on low for 2 minutes until the tea turns dark.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Pour in 120ml whole milk.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Heat over medium heat, watching closely; when the chai starts to bubble and rise, immediately reduce to low (milk boils over easily).

10. 10

    Step 10

    Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes, lifting and pouring the chai back into the pot 3-4 times to blend the tea and milk.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Add sugar and stir until dissolved.

12. 12

    Step 12

    Turn off the heat.

13. 13

    Step 13

    Strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into a cup to remove tea leaves and spice solids.

14. 14

    Step 14

    Serve hot.