Masala Chai recipe for the ultimative indian beverage

[Shanti]

Chai the way it is prepared in India today, was originally made so as to mask the taste of inferioir tea acessible to the common indian.

every indian you talk to will probably also have his or her own favorite method of preparing the chai , variation include brewing the loose tea leaves in boiling water , brewing them in milk , brewing tea leave along with spices [ known as masala chai] and brewing the chai...with pieces of gingerand millk, som less.

some prefer using inferior quality tea dust , some like specific brands of tea [ a simple trick is to sweeten the chai with condensed milk and boil the mixture for at least an hour] the result is much thick and creamier chai.

anyways enough talk about the product lets get to the recipe

you will need.[ 2 mugs]

A medium sized saucepan.

a small sieve.

4 heaped teaspoons red label or society [ available in the www].

1 inch piece of ginger root.

6-7 cardamon pods, slightly opened.

3 tbsp of sugar.

half a vannila stick.

1-5 cups of water.

1/5cups whole fat milk.

method.

1. Heat water to a boil in the saucepan

2.add the tea leaves , cardamon pods and ginger root and allow to brew on medioum heat .[till the water turns a medium brown]

3.add the milk and reduce heat to low , add the vanilla stick and sugar at this stage mix it really well

4.allow the tea to boil gently and thicken on low heatfor about ten minutes.[keep an eye on the saucepan as the chai may burn over

5.turn off the heat and let the liquid rest in the saucepan for 3 minutes , this lets the temperature of the liquid come down abit.

6. pour through a sieve in your favourite mug and enjoy

enjoy it with a scone or toast or something yummy

peace