Ricky has had cold & cough for few days now and nothing seemed to be helping. I find myself turning to natural remedies when nothing else works. He is a tea lover so I drove to a nearby store first thing in the morning with a mission to make him a masala chai. Chai literally means tea to much of the world and you can easily try one at a local Indian or Pakistani restaurant.
Lot of people are sick around me so I thought this would be a perfect post to share and remind us of benefits of natural spices that are easily available
Masala Chai/Tea
Makes one serving
1.5 cup water
1 Black cardamom
1 tbls grated fresh ginger
1 1-inch cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
0.5 cup milk
1.5 teaspoons loose black tea leaves
Sweetener, to taste (I prefer sugar)
Masala/Spice:
Cinnamon stick, cloves, black cardamom – I like to grind these in coffee grinder or you can use a rolling pin to break these down in smaller pieces.
Making Tea:
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, ginger & the masala/spice (cardamom, cinnamon stick and clove). These are available in any grocery store close to you.
Black Cardamom Cinnamon stick Cloves
- Bring all the ingredients to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add tea leaves, and simmer for another 2 minutes, add the milk & sweetener and let it boil few times.
- This is how it will look after adding milk and boiling. You can add more tea leaves if you prefer yours stronger.
- Now turn off the heat and pour into a cup through a fine mesh sieve.
- Discard the leaves and spices and enjoy your steaming cup of tea.
Did you know Starbucks carries spiced chai too? Order chai tea latte…its delicious and offers same benefits!
Great recipe Riya. Im not a tea lover but my hubby is. And we too make masala chai when we are under the weather Here’s my version of Chai Latte: http://polkadotsandcurry.com/2014/02/22/masala-chai-chai-latte/
This was a great article on tea! I love tea! You should join the Facebook group “Show your blog love” I get quite a bit of traffic for that site and I have met some AMAZING bloggers from there. I am currently doing an Ad Swap with one of the girls I met on there too.
Hi Trisha, So good to hear from you! I will definitely join the recommended group. Thanks so much for the recommendation, I really appreciate it!
What a great post Riya. I always get a cold when travelling to America – mostly because it is always winter – and I eschew my normal daily cappuccinos and head straight for the chai tea latte at Starbucks that helps keep me going for hours. It seems to have just the right consistency of spices, milk and sweetness to make me feel better. Surprisingly though, when I’ve had it when well I do find it a bit too sweet.
Genevive, Yeah I love it when sick not so much when completely well. Then I am more of a frappe person
this looks yummy and I can’t wait to try! I have never noticed those spices at my grocery store- probably because I wasn’t looking! Did it help with his cold?
Lindsay, yeah did! He had 2-3 cups a day and felt really good. It was pain to make so many cups a day though…lol
I like chia tea but I’m only tried it on ice and no milk. I will have to try it hot sometime with milk. I bet it is soothing to the throat.
Chia Tea does sound very good!
I love chia Tea and this looks like a great recipe, I am a little intimidated by the spices but I may give it a try.
~Saprina
http://www.SaprinaSays.com
Saprina, you can adjust the spices per your taste! Chia Tea sounds good. If you ever do a post on it – please do share!
I love a good chai tea latte! They are so warming and cozy. This is making me wish for fall… =)
Yeah me too! they are my all time fav in winters!
I love chai tea! Thanks for posting this recipe.
You are very welcome dear! Have fun sipping!
Omg this is gonna be a lifesaver for me come this winter!! I’m embarassed to even think about the amount of money I’ve spent at Starbucks. Thanks for the recipe!
Yeah! I love it in winters. Enjoy!
Mmmmm, that sounds delicious, and pretty good for you!
It is ! Thanks Angie!
mmm sounds delicious!! Thank you for sharing
so very welcome Jessica!
I love chai tea so much! It’s a favorite of mine.
Yay…mine too!
I’ve said it so many times! Chai cures all!
I just love home made, fresh brewed tea. It always tastes so delicious and yummy.
it does!