Saturday, January 2, 2010

masala chai

after being out and about for 4 hours running errands and indulging in a mani/pedi, i was pretty much frozen. after all, it was only 16 degrees out there! i was bound and determined to have some hot tea when i got home.

as you are all aware, i am crazy about tea. i especially love a good cup of masala chai yet i've never made it from scratch at home. today i remedied that situation and let me tell you, it is fantastic.

masala chai recipe
(serves 4)

4 whole cloves
1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom (or 1 cardamom pod)
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

crush (or break as in case of cinnamon stick) above ingredients and put into a saucepan
add 3 cups water
bring to a boil - remove from heat - let steep for 5 minutes
add 1 cup milk
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (or more if you like your tea sweeter)
bring to a boil -remove from heat
add 3 bags of black tea (i used darjeeling but can substitute ceylon) - cover and let steep for 3 minutes
stir - strain - enjoy!!

i ground my fresh black pepper from my beautiful new pylones russian girl pepper mill (isn't she adorable?! ok, so she's my new favorite kitchen gadget!

18 comments:

kylie said...

ok first of all, that pepper mill is so adorable! but second, you read my mind! was just looking up recipes for chai today. do you think i could use rice milk and agave? am trying to not have dairy/white sugar...or do you think that will take all of the fun out of it?!

Melita said...

she was a bit pricey but i couldn't resist her! i did use organic milk & organic sugar but i absolutely think you could use rice milk and agave. i may try that to mix it up at some point as i have some agave on hand. let me know how it goes if you try it. hugs!!

Unknown said...

The pepper mill is SO cute. And homemade chai really is lovely :)

KK said...

I am crazy about Pylones! Ever since I discovered their shop in Paris, I've been a fiend for them - just going into one of their UK shops (inexplicably known as Octopus) makes me happy.

And yes - you can absolutely use agave nectar to make chai. Personally, I think it works better than sugar. Thanks for the terrific recipe!

Donica Christina said...

Ah! Your kitchen gadget IS the cutest.

Eco Yogini said...

very cool!! I am not a fan of chai tea, but how much is it that you made yours from scratch?? :)

ps- peppermill definitely a keeper :)

Sarah said...

Cute peppermill! The chai sounds tasty! I've been sipping lots of tea too, due to the chilly temps and loads of snow here!

noodlegirl said...

I Luvvvvv the pepper mill oh too cute! I bought something similar looking but its only for decor at a church ramage sale.

I love chai!! Its not cold here but I crave it too!!

Connie said...

YOU are so freaking awesome! I LOOOOVE chai tea, but have never had the guts to try to make my own. You inspire me!! Hold me to it--ok--I'm going to make my own this month!!

Peace & Love.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year and what a wonderful post! Love a good cuppa chai. Often make it at home but not from scratch. Love using raw honey instead of sugar (added once the brew is off the heat).

And I am seriously in love with your pepper shaker ;)

Rebecca said...

We MUST get together - I LOVE chai, definitely have to give this recipe a try!

Lucy said...

the chai sounds delish! thanks for the recipe!!

hope your 2010 continues to be fabulous :)

kimberly wilson said...

yummy! sounds divine. thanks for sharing. happiest of new years to you. xo

Grammy said...

Oh I love the pepper mill too. Is is cold here in Missouri too. And the snow is still coming down lightly. I just stopped by to wish you a great new year.

Lynne from NY said...

Happy New Year and thanks for the recipe, I will try it tonite while listening to Kimberly's teleclass!

Now, did you order the pepper mill online? I don't understand French :(
She is so cute, must have!

The Depressed Yogi said...

Yummmm that looks divine!!

mina said...

wow. i love chai but i've never though of making it myself. i'm totally going to try it when i get the chance.

Sasa Peace Rocks said...

I love your recipe for Chai!! I have the exact same mug with the scooter ~ My Journey Begins Today. It's my favorite mug! I think I got in on sale at Starbuckes a while ago. It Rocks and so do you!