Are you ready to elevate your tea game with a warm, aromatic hug in a cup? Discover the magic of homemade Instant Pot Masala Chai—a beloved Indian beverage that combines rich flavors and comforting spices, all in just 20 minutes! Whether you're a chai aficionado or a curious newbie, this recipe promises to awaken your senses and transport you to the bustling streets of India with every sip. Get ready to impress your friends and family, or simply indulge in a moment of self-care with this delightful brew. Let’s dive into the world of spices and discover how to create your very own cup of bliss!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: loose-leaf black tea, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground black pepper, salt, milk, water, and honey (if using).
- In your Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water and the loose-leaf black tea. This will be the base for your masala chai.
- Add the ground spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and adjust the timer to 10 minutes.
- While the chai is cooking, prepare your serving cups. If you plan to use honey, have it ready to add later.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to the brewed chai mixture. Stir well to combine.
- If you are using honey, add 1 tablespoon now and stir until it is fully dissolved in the chai.
- To serve, strain the masala chai into your prepared cups using a fine mesh strainer to remove the loose tea leaves and spices.
- Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Masala Chai hot, and feel free to adjust sweetness or spice levels according to your taste!
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality loose-leaf black tea for a richer flavor. If you can't find loose-leaf tea, a good quality tea bag will work in a pinch.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! If you love a particular flavor, like cardamom or ginger, add a little extra for a more pronounced taste.
- Milk Options: Experiment with different types of milk—dairy, almond, coconut, or oat milk—to find your favorite combination. Each will give the chai a unique flavor profile.
- Sweetness Level: The recipe includes honey as an optional sweetener, but you can also use sugar, agave syrup, or even maple syrup to suit your preference.
- Straining: Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure your chai is smooth and free of tea leaves and spices. This step is crucial for that authentic, café-style finish!
- Serve Hot: Masala chai is best enjoyed hot. Serve it immediately after brewing for the most delightful experience, and consider pairing it with some biscuits or snacks for a complete treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg