Homemade Chai Masala

I've loved Chai for a very long time.  I can remember my very first Chai Tea Latte quite vividly.  The spiciness and cinnamon reminded me of Christmas.  It's the second most comforting tea I drink. The first is Red Rose because it's what my mom and grandma always offer me.

There's nothing quite like Chai Tea made with homemade Chai Masala.  Store bought tea bags or loose tea don't even come close to this recipe.  Fresh ground cinnamon, cloves and cardamom will leave you wanting a chai tea latte every day and you'll never order another one from Starbucks.  It just takes a quick minute to grind your own spices and it will save you a ton of money in the long run!

And a little spice truly goes a long way.  All you need is one little 1/2 tsp of chai masala to whip up enough tea to serve 3-4 people.  It will be love at first sip!

Chai Masala

3/4 tbsp whole black peppercorns

4 (1-inch long) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

16 whole cloves

16 green cardamom pods

4 tsp ground ginger

Place all ingredients in a spice grinder or food processor and grind to a fine powder.  Sift powder into a bowl.  Store in an airtight container.

Chai Tea 

2 cups milk

2 cups water

4 tsp black tea leaves such as Darjeeling

1/2 tsp Chai Masala

5-8 tsp sugar (sweeten to taste)

In a saucepan over high heat, combine milk and water.  Bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to medium, add tea leaves and chai masala and boil for 1 minute.  Add the sugar.  When it comes to a boil again, lower the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Strain into individual cups and serve hot.

Recipe from How to Cook Indian