• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
My Tasty Curry
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Lunch and Dinner
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
      • Indian Chinese Recipes
      • Indian Cooking Basics
      • Indian desserts
      • Indian Main Course
      • Breads
      • Chutneys Pickles and Condiments
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • One Pot Meals
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Sandwich Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • International Recipes
      • Dessert Recipes
      • Italian Recipes
      • Mediterranean Recipes
  • About Rekha
  • Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Lunch and Dinner
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
      • Indian Chinese Recipes
      • Indian Cooking Basics
      • Indian desserts
      • Indian Main Course
      • Breads
      • Chutneys Pickles and Condiments
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • One Pot Meals
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Sandwich Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • International Recipes
      • Dessert Recipes
      • Italian Recipes
      • Mediterranean Recipes
  • About Rekha
  • Meal Plans
  • connect with me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
      • Appetizers and Snacks
      • Lunch and Dinner
      • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
      • Indian Recipes
        • Indian Chinese Recipes
        • Indian Cooking Basics
        • Indian desserts
        • Indian Main Course
        • Breads
        • Chutneys Pickles and Condiments
      • Air Fryer Recipes
      • One Pot Meals
      • Instant Pot Recipes
      • Salad Recipes
      • Sandwich Recipes
      • Soup Recipes
      • International Recipes
        • Dessert Recipes
        • Italian Recipes
        • Mediterranean Recipes
    • About Rekha
    • Meal Plans
  • connect with me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Uncategorized

    Masala Tea Recipe | Indian Masala Chai

    Jan 18, 2021 Modified: Jan 18, 2021 by Rekha Kakkar This post may contain affiliate links ·

    284 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • WhatsApp
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Easy masala chai recipe to make a refreshing cup of spiced Indian Masala tea aka Kadak chai. I have shared in detail how to make fresh masala for chai, and my secret ingredient  for making best, authentic masala chai.

    masala chai

    A refreshing cup of Indian masala tea brightens the morning and sets the mood for the day. Those who know me know how much I masala chai. At least once in a day, I need my favourite cup of Masala chai which is made with herbs and my homemade chai spice mix.  

    Indians loves tea and a cup of Kadak chai is always there for all occasions. Any conversation, any occasion is incomplete without a cup of steaming cup of chai.

    Every Home In India has its special masala tea recipe and their own recipe of chai masala to make it. From street vendors with a small Sigri (charcoal-fired stove) to high-end restaurants everyone in India has their signature masala chai.

    In Delhi, you find street vendors (Chai Wala) serving chai in Kulhads (earthen pots) and pouring it from a big kettle. Mumbai special is Cutting chai which means one cup of chai divided into 2. This is also known as one by two (½). 

    This Masala Chai is

    • Warming spicy and delicious
    • Refreshing and revitalising
    • Vegetarian & gluten-free 
    Jump to:
    • This Masala Chai is
    • What Is Masala Chai
    • Masala Chai Ingredients
    • How to make Masala Chai
    • Preparation Method Step by Step
    • Tips to make Perfect Masala Tea
    • Health Benefits of Masala Chai
    • What to Serve with Masala Tea
    • More Tea Recipes For You
    • 📖 Recipe

    What Is Masala Chai

    Masala chai is spiced black tea mixed with milk. It is one of the very popular warm drinks during monsoon and winters. Chai keeps you warm and has a lot of health benefits because of spices in it. 

    Millions of Indian enjoy it every day but now it is popular by many names across the world.

    In America, it is known as Chai Latte or chai tea (it’s a misnomer) because chai itself means tea. The essence of chai is its special masala blend of different spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves etc.

    masala chai recipe

    Masala Chai Ingredients

    Masala chai is made of water, tea leaves, milk, sugar plus a few whole spices or chai masala blend and fresh ginger (crushed). I like to add in fresh herbs like Tulsi(holy basil) but the best is Mint. I know many will wonder about Mint in tea but mint in tea is total game changer and that is my secret ingredient to make best chai.

    Water: Use regular water or tap water.

    Milk: Whole milk, low-fat milk or toned milk all work fine in tea. 

    Sugar: You can use regular table sugar, brown sugar or stevia. I prefer to drink any tea without sugar and it tastes great because spices add sweetness and warmth and you won’t miss sugar.

    Chai Spice: I use homemade chai masala. You can make fresh chai masala by crushing whole spices like green cardamom, black peppercorns, cloves, fennel. Fresh ginger etc. If you are using this homemade tea masala skip cardamom, peppercorns, cloves and fennel. 

    Mint: Fresh mint/pudina traditionally is not added in chai. it is my personal preference but it tastes wonderful. I suggest you try it once to see how you like it. For me, it is one secret that makes my masala chai so special that everyone loves it. 

    Holy Basil: Holy basil (tulsi) is known for its medicinal properties as well as the aroma. If you have access one or two leaves add spicy taste and aroma. 

    How to make Masala Chai

    There are two ways to make masala tea. One method is to make fresh tea masala. In this method, a few spices are crushed and added to boiling water milk and tea leaves mixture. This is made without tea masala powder.

    In the second method, I make masala tea using chai masala/tea spice. In this method, I boil water, add tea leaves, tea masala, fresh herbs, ginger and milk. Tea masala is a blend of spices that is unique to most families as per their taste preference. 

    The sequence in which ingredients are added while making tea makes a lot of difference in the colour and taste of the tea. Authentic masala chai is made using lightly crushed spices boiled in water, milk and tea powder concoction.

    Preparation Method Step by Step

    1. This method is for strong masala tea recipe. However as per personal preference, you can increase or decrease the number of spices tea leaves and milk, 
    2. Heat water in a saucepan on medium-high heat. 
    3. While water is boiling, in a mortar and pestle lightly crush tulsi (optional) and mint leaves. Keep them aside for now.
    4. Once the water starts to boil reduce the heat to low and add Assam tea leaves. 
    5. Allow the tea leaves to boil for 30-45 seconds and then add milk.
    6. Immediately after adding milk add chai masala, crushed basil and mint leaves, you can also add grated or crushed ginger. 
    7. You can add sugar as per your taste. I prefer my tea without sugar so I make masala chai without sugar. If you are using sugar cubes you can add them later while serving.
    8. Simmer this mixture for one minute (Do not over boil). 
    9. Using a tea filter strain the tea in a cup or kettle and enjoy a hot steaming cup of masala chai. 

    Tips to make Perfect Masala Tea

    • Too much boiling makes spices lose their flavour so I prefer not to over boil them. You can try both the ways and see which one you like the most.
    • You can adjust the quantity of spices as per your taste. I suggest starting with ½tsp crushed tea masala per cup and then adjust it as per your taste when you make it next time.
    • The sequence of adding ingredients makes a significant change in taste colour and aroma of chai, so take care while doing so.
    • Never over-boil chai. The tannins in the tea leaves can make it bitter. Just one minute is enough. 

    Type of tea leaves for Masala Tea 

    Best tea leaves for making masala chai are Assam tea leaves. Any good Kadak masala chai recipe will suggest the use of Assam tea. Darjeeling tea is mild and spices do not complement much with the mild tea. The best substitution if you can not find Assam tea is English breakfast tea.

    Water to milk Ratio

    Water to milk Ratio is also important but also a personal choice. I do not like very milky tea so I keep ¾ water to ¼th milk ratio. If you like milky tea you can do ½ cup water to ½ cup milk.

    Sequence of Ingredient Addition

    Make sure water is simmering before you add tea leaves. Most people add chai masala  before adding milk but I prefer to add tea masala powder and ginger along with milk and not before. It makes a lot of difference in taste.

    Health Benefits of Masala Chai

    Masala chai is made using a lot of whole spices, ginger, tulsi, mint and all of these individually have a lot of health-boosting properties. The spices in chai masala have anti-inflammatory properties and have antioxidants.

    Tea leaves have caffeine in small amounts which revitalises the body for the short term. Tannins in the tea leaves have antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds.

    What to Serve with Masala Tea

    It is traditionally enjoyed in India with Rusk, biscuits, NanKhatai or cookies.

    Snacks that you can serve with Masala Tea or Indian hi tea are:

    • Assorted Pakora recipe
    • Healthy Air-fryer Ragi Pakora
    • Cheese Potato bites  
    • Samosa 
    • Sandwiches 

    More Tea Recipes For You

    • Apple Iced Tea
    • Kadha- Indian Herbal Tea
    • Lemon & Honey Tea

    📖 Recipe

    masala chai

    How to make masala chai

    Easy masala chai recipe to make a refreshing cup of spiced Indian tea aka Kadak chai. I have shared in detail how to make fresh masala chai spice mix, and my secret ingredient to make the best, authentic masala chai.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: drink, Drinks
    Cuisine: indian cuisine
    Keyword: chai, chai tea, masala chai, masala tea, tea
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 1kcal
    Author: Rekha Kakkar

    Equipment

    • Saucepan (Indian)

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 cups water
    • .5cup milk
    • 2 teaspoon Assam tea
    • 10 gm ginger
    • 1 teaspoon chai masala
    • 2 tulsi leaves
    • 4 mint leaves

    Instructions

    First Make Chai Masala

    • Take ½ inch cinnamon stick, 1 green cardamom, ¼inch ginger pc, 2 cloves and crush them together. Keep this aside. You can either make this fresh spice mix or use pre-mix homemade tea masala.

    Making Masala Chai

    • In a pan heat 1.5. cups of water and bring it to a boil.
    • Now add 2 teaspoons Assam tea. Boil for a minute. Do not boil too much as tea might become bitter.
    • Now add ½ cup of either 2% milk, full-fat milk or toned milk as per your choice.
    • Along with milk add crushed spices or chai masala.
    • I also add crushed tulsi(holy basil) and mint leaves which add refreshing flavour. This is my secret ingredient to make the best masala tea.
    • After adding milk, boil for 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Strain the tea through a tea strainer in the cup or kettle.
    • Enjoy the hot cup of masala tea with your favourite snacks or as it is.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

    Masala Tea Recipe

    Related

    More Uncategorized

    • curd rice recipe
      Thair Sadam - Curd Rice Recipe
    • snack recipes
      50+ Diwali Snack Recipes
    • Instant peda with milk powder
      Kesar Peda Recipe
    • vrat wale aloo
      Vrat Wale Aloo - Satvik Sabji 
    284 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • WhatsApp

    Reader Interactions

    Leave me your feedback here please Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Looking For Something?

    HI! THIS IS REKHA KAKKAR

    Life is complicated so let’s keep our food simple! No this is not a quote from someone else 🙂 this actually sums up my food philosophy and why I started this food blog.

    I am Rekha, I am the Cook, writer, and photographer behind this food blog. Now a YouTuber 

    More about me →

    Popular Today

    • lunch box
      Vegetarian Indian Lunch Box For Office - Week-1
    • French Onion Grilled Cheese
      The Ultimate French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
    • sookhi urad dal recipe
      Sookhi Urad Dal Recipe | Punjabi Style Dry Urad Dal
    • How To Make Perfect Chapati

    Soup Recipes

    • Instant pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
      Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup 
    • Veggie and Quinoa soup with power packed nutrition and hearty taste is perfect soup to cook and enjoy this winter. A healthy and delicious winter soup meal is a modified version of minestrone soup but with more power packed in terms of nutrition and taste.
      Instant Pot Veggie and Quinoa Soup - Pressure Cooker Recipe
    • 5 Healthy Homemade Soup Recipes to Try this Winters
    • Borscht Recipe

    Immunity Boosting Teas

    • CFC tea recipe
      CFC Tea Recipe - Cumin Coriander Fennel Tea
    • Kadha Recipe|Indian Herbal Drink
    • Cinnamon tea recipe for diabetes
      Cinnamon Tea Recipe
    • Kahwa recipe
      Kahwa Tea Recipe - Kashmiri Tea

    Recent Posts

    • Vegetarian Indian Lunch Box For Office - Week-1
    • The Ultimate French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
    • Sookhi Urad Dal Recipe | Punjabi Style Dry Urad Dal
    • How To Make Perfect Chapati
    • Rajma Masala Recipe

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Rekha
    • Work With Me

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow Along

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.