Masala Chai or Spice Tea is a perfect recipe to combat cold. In winters and monsoon season temperature fluctuates. With this change in temperature, our immunity levels also dip. Moreover, the humidity in the air adversely affects our metabolism. It slows down digestion and causes problems like constipation or diarrhea. It also causes respiratory problems and infections.
To combat this we apply Ayurvedic home remedy. For this, we prepare Ayurvedic drinks with several herbs and spices. These herbs are boiled in water to extract their benefits. Which we call Kadha or ‘Karha‘. These Kadha have a pungent smell and are usually bitter. Thus many people avoid consuming Kadha.
Masala Chai is a perfect combination of the benefits of herbs in Tea. This Indian Spiced Tea is also very tasty. Thus everyone loves it. A very unique recipe with the benefits of Ayurvedic remedy in the tea.
To prepare Spiced Tea at home, packed Masala Chai Powder is also available at stores. But Homemade Spice Tea powder is much more aromatic and effective. The use of fresh herbs and spices makes this tea a perfect home remedy. You can easily prepare your Masala Chai Powder at home and keep it stored for later use.
In this recipe, you will also find the recipe of Masala Chai Powder. If you are in a hurry you can also prepare Ginger Tea. Though Ginger Tea is very effective to combat the common cold. But its efficiency increases many folds by adding Masala Chai Powder in it.
Tips for Making Masala Chai at Home
Tea along with filter coffee are preferred drinks in India. People consume both these drinks round the year. Though Indian Spiced tea is preferred in winters and monsoons. It is also very effective to combat headaches. So if are preparing this recipe during the summer, then I will recommend reducing the quantity of Chai Masala.
The flavor of Spice tea depends much on the type of tea leaves you are using. If you prefer strong tea then use Assam Tea. If mild tea is your preference then you can use Darjeeling tea leaves. I prefer using a combination of both to get the benefit of both the flavor. You can also use organic tea.
The amount of milk used also changes the taste of tea. Thus use milk as per your own preference.
If you are preparing your Masala tea just to prevent cold or for its flavor then go with my above tips. If you are preparing this tea for someone who is suffering from cold then Make a strong tea using Assam Tea leaves using a minimum quantity of milk.
Spiced Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups water (पानी)
- 3/4 cup milk (दूध) or as desired
- 1 inch ginger (अदरक)
- 2 teaspoon tea leaves (चाय पत्ती) or as desired
- 2 to 3 teaspoon sugar (चीनी) or as desired
masala for tea
- 1 tablespoon green cardamom (छोटी इलायची)
- 1/2 tablespoon cloves (लौंग)
- 2 inch cinnamon stick (दालचीनी)
- 1/4 tablespoon fennel seeds (सौंफ)
- 1/4 to 1/2 tablespoon peppercorns (काली मिर्च के दाने)
- 1/2 piece nutmeg (जायफल) - optional
- 2 petals star anise (चक्र फूल) - optional
Instructions
for making masala
- Break open the nutmeg and check worms. Clean all the spices and shell the green cardamoms.
- Add all spices to a blender and coarsely grind it.
- Store the masala in a sun-dried, airtight jar.
How to Make Spiced Tea
- Crush the ginger and keep it aside.
- Put water in a saucepan, add crushed ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of chai masala and bring to boil.
- When the water starts boiling put tea leaves into it and let the color and essence of tea come in the water.
- Stir in the tea leaves and continue to cook over a moderate heat for 2 minutes.
- Add the milk and sugar and boil 2-3 minutes, remove from the heat.
- Strain in a cup and serve hot along with snacks and/or biscuits