Indian masala chai — the traditional tea with milk, ginger and spices

Masala chai is India’s most beloved tea: a blend of strong black tea with hot milk and aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. It is drunk in every corner of India, from train stations to family homes, and is the ideal warming drink for autumn days.

Ingredients (for 4 cups):

• 500 ml water
• 500 ml milk
• 4 teaspoons black tea (or 4 tea bags)
• 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 3 cm), crushed
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 black peppercorns (optional)
• 3–4 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)

Preparation steps:

1. In a small saucepan, boil the water with the ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick and pepper for about 5 minutes, until the water takes on the colour and aroma of the spices.
2. Add the black tea and let it boil for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the milk and sugar; let it simmer gently for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Strain the tea through a fine sieve and divide it into four cups.
5. Serve hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Preparation time: about 20 minutes (5 min preparation + 15 min cooking). Servings: 4 cups.