Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Tea Recipe - Foodess (2024)

FAQs

What is authentic chai made of? ›

Chai can include a number of different spices. Cardamom is the most common ingredient, followed by some mixture of cinnamon, ginger, star anise and cloves. Pepper, coriander, nutmeg and fennel are also used, but they are slightly less common. Every family has a blend to suit its tastes.

Can you drink chai tea every day? Black tea varieties, like chai tea, are considered safe for drinking daily. But black tea has a range of caffeine, from 30 to 50 milligrams, so it's best to limit daily tea drinking.

' While both chai tea and masala chai are made with black tea, their main difference is the spices used in their preparation. Chai tea is essentially just black tea with milk and sugar, while masala chai is prepared with a blend of spices that typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.

The best chai is inspired by the masala dabba (box of spices), a quintessential presence in Indian kitchens. Ginger and black pepper are good for digestion and warming. Cloves, with their antiseptic properties, are good for sore throats and cardamom can elevate your mood.

We also love using nut milks to create interesting flavor profiles, like chai tea lattes with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Lastly, sweeten up your cuppa with honey or sugar, and sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a finishing touch.

Cinnamon stick – For sweetness and warmth. Fennel seed – Offers a gentle anise or licorice note. Fresh ginger – Flavors the whole pot of tea with a fresher spice note. Black peppercorns – Gives the chai a spicy bite, which I love.

Most cafes that offer chai lattes don't actually brew the tea themselves, they make them by adding powdered tea to steamed milk. There's nothing wrong with this method.

Metabolism is the process by which your body burns calories. Chai tea contains a compound called catechins, which has been shown to increase metabolism. Additionally, chai tea can help to reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer. Chai tea benefits weight loss by helping to burn fat.

It's recommended to drink chai tea at least a few hours before bedtime to allow your body to process the caffeine. Overall, drinking chai tea in the evening is great to unwind and relax after a long day, as long as you keep in mind the caffeine content and timing of consumption.

Chai tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to boost the immune system and prevent various diseases. The spices in chai tea, such as ginger and cinnamon, are known for their immune-boosting properties.

How much tea leaves to put in chai? ›

For a traditional chai, recipes typically call for around 1.5-2 teaspoons of chai blend per mug and then steeped in one-part milk to 2-4 parts water. Some prefer to steep the tea in water and add the milk after.

Simmer for 3-5 minutes. You'll know your chai is ready when it turns a lovely biscuity colour. Remove from the heat and strain into your cup. Sweeten if desired.

Pour boiling water over chai tea bag in a mug; let steep 4 to 6 minutes. Remove and discard tea bag. Stir honey and sugar into tea to dissolve.

A Dirty Chai is a mix of coffee and chai tea, named “dirty” chai because of the addition of coffee muddying up the color of the tea. It is usually made with a concentrated chai tea, a shot of espresso, and steamed milk or cream (this is, therefore, a latte).

Chai can help you digest better. Studies on Black tea reveal that it aids in digestion and helps keep stomach problems at bay. Simply put, making a cup of chai in the morning can have transformative effects for your daily life.

While the Starbucks version may capture some of the aromatic essence of chai, it does not provide the complexity and depth of flavor found in traditional chai. The use of a standardized concentrate overlooks the variations in spice blends and preparation methods that contribute to the richness of authentic chai.

A Dirty Chai consists of a Chai Latte with the addition of an espresso shot. This extra element brings a robust coffee taste to the drink, differentiating it from a traditional Chai Latte. A Chai Latte is simply made with concentrated tea and various spices, creating a unique balance between flavors.