Chai - Indian Spiced Tea
Ranked #11,869 in Food & Cooking, #211,473 overall
Sweet and Delicious
The only thing that could possibly tempt me away from my morning latte is a warm, sweet and spicy cup of chai. This delicious spiced tea with milk comes from India and has become popular around the world. Starbucks sells chai lattes and you can find ready-to-drink soy milk chai in many organic sections of the grocery store. It is not that hard to make it at home, and you can control the flavor and sweetness by adjusting the spices and sugar.
Photo courtesy of jevvv at stock.xchng
Photo courtesy of jevvv at stock.xchng
What is in Chai?
"Chai" simply means tea. The full name is "masala chai" (spice tea). There are many different variations on the recipe. Of course, Grandma or Mom's way is the best. The basic ingredients are black tea, milk, spices, and sugar.The main spices in chai are cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Other spices may be included as well, such as star anise, allspice, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, tamarind, or black pepper. Western culture has added non-traditional flavors of its own, like unsweetened cocoa powder or vanilla beans.
Photo courtesy of sritenou at stock.xchng.
Star Anise
photo courtesy of kris_b at stock.xchng
Chai Tea Recipes
Indian Masala Chai - Recipezaar
Kathleen Daelemans Chai Recipe - Food Network (reviews say this one is fairly mild in its spicing. Probably because the spices are left whole and not crushed or ground. Grinding gets the most flavor out of the spices.)
Masala Chai - Culinary Teas
The ginger should be freshly ground with a fine grater or a microplane. If you are using whole spices, grind them first in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Do not use a grinder that has been used for coffee because the coffee flavor will overtake the spices.
Basic Chai Preparation
Step 1 - Add spices and water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Step 2 - Remove the pan from heat and let the spices steep for a few minutes.
Step 3 - Add tea (loose leaf preferably, but bags may be used) and bring it to a boil again.
Step 4 - Reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 5 - Stir in the milk and sugar.
Step 6 - Strain and pour the chai into a warmed teapot (to prevent cracking) or into individual cups or mugs.
The milk and sugar may be added earlier. Recipes differ in the ratio of water to milk. A good place to start is equal parts water and milk. That can be adjusted to taste. Some people prefer to use soy milk. White sugar, brown sugar, or honey can be used as the sweetener.
How to Make Chai Video
from showmethecurry.com
Very good instructional video on the basic recipe and technique of making chai with helpful tips and information on ingredients and variations.
powered by Youtube
Chai Cookbook
by Diana Rosen
The author reveals the history and cultural details of chai along with recipes for many variations. She includes recipes for cooking with chai and accompaniments to serve with tea.
Chai: The Spice Tea of India
Amazon Price: $4.85 (as of 06/02/2012)
Cup of Tea
Debate: Coffee or Tea?
Which do you like better, coffee or tea?
Give me coffee
Tea for me
YogicChai says:
Chai!!!
KimGiancaterino says:
I love tea, especially in the morning.
clouda9 says:
I love both...however when I am treated with a cup of homemade Chai tea that my doc brings to work, I am in heaven. :)
Intuitive says:
Am a reformed coffeholic and have switched over to mostly tea.
Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate
32 oz. box of concentrate. Add some to milk or soy milk in a cup or mug . If you like it strong, use more concentrate and less milk. It is good hot or cold.
Tazo® Chai Tea Latte Concentrate
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Essentials for Homemade Chai
vote the most important items up
2
CIA Masters Collection 3-1/4-Inch Very Fine Mesh Strainer
Mesh strainer safely lifts foods from hot oil or b more...0 points
3
Bormioli Rocco H Drink Espresso Cups and Steel Saucers, Set of 4, Gift Boxed
Take pleasure in your espresso with this handsome more...0 points
4
BIA Cordon Bleu 8-Ounce Mortar and Pestle Set, White
A mortar and pestle crush and grind herbs, nuts, a more...0 points
More Tasty Food Lenses
Chai in the Blogosphere
You Can Do Squidoo!
Tell the world about the things you love
Share your expertise, hobbies, and passions by making your own Squidoo lenses. It's easy and fun. You can even make some money or donate a lens to your favorite charity. Get started here.
What do you think?
Did you enjoy this lens? Is there something you would like to see added?
-
-
jefferytowell
Aug 30, 2010 @ 9:16 pm | delete
- Not even chai could tear me away from my morning coffe but it is a great afternoon pick me up. Great lens.
-
-
-
goozaza
May 9, 2010 @ 4:51 am | delete
- now you will fine many TAZO chai tea product at this blog
http://tazo-chaitea.blogspot.com/
-
-
-
YogicChai
Sep 13, 2009 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- For all of you Chai lovers out there, check Yogic Chai at http://www.yogicchai.com for some REAL masala chai blends
We just uploaded a video on the health benefits of drinking masala chai. Here is the link to that too:
http://www.yogicchai.com/catalog/yogicchai/health-benefits-masala-chai-a-9.html
Loved the pictures of this article!
-
-
-
KimGiancaterino May 14, 2009 @ 9:05 pm | delete
- I gave up caffeine years ago, and have found tea to be much more versatile. Lovely lens... Squid Angel Blessed. I love the star anise photo too!
-
-
-
clouda9
May 14, 2009 @ 1:21 am | delete
- You really nailed this one! Great info and totally beautiful design...thank you.
-
- Load More
by cappuccino136
I am a freelance writer living in the magnificent Pacific Northwest. Formerly I taught ESL to adults in Korea and in the US. I have always expressed myself... more »
- 19 featured lenses
- Winner of 5 trophies!
- Top lens » Drawing and Painting with GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- ENERGY DRINKS - Doctors say "Stay away from..." ENERGY DRINKS - Doctors say "Stay away from..."
- Poem - A Lovely Cup of Tea Poem - A Lovely Cup of Tea
- Masala Chai Tea Masala Chai Tea
- Varieties of Tea: Black, Green, Oolong, and Others Varieties of Tea: Black, Green, Oolong, and Others
- Ras-el-hanout - an extraordinary spice Ras-el-hanout - an extraordinary spice
- Indian: The Best Cuisine Ever Indian: The Best Cuisine Ever
