Chai Masala

Hello All,

I've received a few requests for a good chai recipe. This comes with good reviews - it's the family recipe of BKS Iyengar.

The first step is to mix together the spices. I generally make up a big jar of spices that I use over the next month or so. If you're really ambitious to have the ultimate cup of chai, grind the spices immediately before preparing the chai! The proportions are:

Ground cloves - 1 part
Ground cinnamon - 1 part
Ground black pepper - 1 part
Ground cardamon - 2 parts
Ground ginger - 2 parts

Once you have the spices prepared, bring water to a boil in a sauce pan. Add all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for a few minutes. Then turn off the heat, and allow the chai to steep, covered, for a little longer. Strain and serve with sugar (don't be shy about sweetening - that's the secret to the really good chai!)

Overall proportions:
Water - 2/3 of total liquid
Milk - 1/3 of total liquid
Loose black tea - 1 rounded tsp. per cup of liquid
Spice mix - 1/3-1/2 tsp per 3-4 cup of liquid
Sugar - to taste (1-2 tsp. per cup)

Happy Chai-ing!

-Scott