Masala Chai (Spiced Milk Tea)

Ingredients

• Water 450 ml
• Whole milk 450 ml
• Loose black tea (Assam CTC) 4 tsp (10 g)
• Sugar 3 tbsp (38 g)
• Fresh ginger, crushed 15 g
• Green cardamom pods, lightly crushed 4
• Cinnamon stick 1 piece (3 cm)
• Cloves 3

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour the water into a saucepan and add the crushed ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon and cloves.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 3 minutes so the water takes on the flavor of the spices.

3. 3

   Add the tea and sugar and boil for 1-2 minutes until the liquid is dark brown.

4. 4

   Pour in the milk and bring back to a boil; when the tea rises in the pan, lower the heat, let it settle and bring it up again 2-3 times.

5. 5

   Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes more, until the chai is a deep tan color.

6. 6

   Strain into cups through a fine tea strainer, pressing the leaves lightly.

7. 7

   Serve hot, on its own or with biscuits or a savory snack.