Masala Chai to Spice Up Your Life!

There are a few favorite things I've turned into fall rituals - making Masala Chai is certainly one of them! That's because this concoction of warm spices can be so healing to the digestive system (when you leave out the black tea) and a powerful grounding force to balance the crazy vata energy fall brings!

Try a cup and see for yourself! 

In India Masala means "a mixture of blended spices" so when you order a chai there, all you'll get is black tea with milk and honey which is also yummy but there's nothing quite like a warm masala chai, packed with so much flavor and spice!  It's simply the way to go!

All you need are a handful of spices and about 20 minutes! The best part of this recipe is you get to choose if you want your chai caffeinated or not. I usually enjoy a caffeine free masala tea right before bed or a caffeinated one as an afternoon pick me up!



INGREDIENTS

•     12 cardamom pods, gently crushed
•     8 whole black peppercorns
•     8 whole cloves
•     4 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced into 6-8 small slivers
•     5 cups water
•     4 cinnamon sticks
•     2- 4 Tbsp. of honey, agave or raw sugar
•     2 star anise
•     1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle (or a tsp of vanilla extract)
•     1/8 tsp. nutmeg
•     4 tbsp of black tea
•     4 cups of any milk your heart desires

• Mix all ingredients except the black tea, honey, and milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it come to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Pour mixture through a strainer, add honey and place it into a container. Let it cool. Voila!  You have Masala concentrate!
• To make it into Masala Chai - while the concentrate is still hot, steep 1 tablespoon of black tea per cup of concentrate. Bring to simmer.
• Add equals parts milk (1 cup of concentrate = 1 cup or less of milk).  Mix well and turn off the heat.  Add more sweetener as desired.
• Take the rest of the concentrate and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week.​

Enjoy!