Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of homemade chai with this easy-to-follow recipe for a rich and aromatic chai concentrate! Imagine the delightful aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen as you brew a cup of this Indian classic, perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 25 minutes of your time, you can create a delicious chai that rivals your favorite café. Ready to transform your tea experience? Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons black tea leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and prepare your spices by lightly crushing the cardamom pods and breaking the cinnamon stick into smaller pieces to release more flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, black tea leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the spices to fully infuse their flavors into the water, creating a rich and aromatic base.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, removing all the whole spices and tea leaves.
- If desired, add your preferred sweetener to the hot concentrate and stir until fully dissolved. Options include honey, sugar, or maple syrup.
- Allow the concentrate to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- To serve, mix the concentrate with hot milk (dairy or plant-based) in a 1:1 ratio, adjusting to your taste preference. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chai.
Tips
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or a few extra slices of ginger to enhance the chai's flavor profile.
- Sweeten to Taste: Experiment with different sweeteners like agave syrup, coconut sugar, or even a splash of vanilla extract to customize the sweetness of your chai concentrate.
- Storage Savvy: Keep your chai concentrate fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
- Serving Suggestions: For a more decadent experience, top your chai with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it over ice for a refreshing iced chai on warm days.
- Milk Alternatives: If you're looking for a dairy-free option, almond, oat, or coconut milk make excellent substitutes that complement the spices beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
