There is nothing more comforting than hands wrapped around a cup of 'chai'.Summerorwinter,springorautumn, the one thing that remains constant in my daily routine, is waking up to a cup of tea. It is my way to kick-start the day, as it is for millions of Indians in the country and around the world. And as much as I love mygreen teaat work, it really is good ol' chai, theblack teavariety that I need to wake up to each morning. Comemonsoon, and chai becomes something of a necessity. Chai andpakodaswhile watching the raindrops fall pitter patter, could anything be more poetic?Indian streets are lined with street-food, the items changing across states and boundaries. InPunjab, you get piping hotsamosaswhereasLucknowloves its dahi jalebi.Delhigoes crazy over chaat andchole bhaturewhileMumbaiandPuneswear byvada pavand misal. The one thing that remains constant, when you travel acrossNorth,WestandCentral Indiathough, are the chai walas.South Indiamay be biased towards its filter coffee but a large part of the country swears bytea. In Indian households, tea is usually not offered to children. My tryst with chai started in college, when we would slink off to the local chai kitli/ tapri (stall) right outside the college gates. It is over a cutting chai that I forged great friendships, broke a few hearts and spent many evenings in solitude, a time for introspection.
How to make masala chai
From then to now, many things have changed. But the one thing that remains constant, is my love for a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Every house has its own brew, some prefer half milk-half water, whereas others prefer it to be lessmilky. The temperature it is boiled at, how long it is brewed, how muchsugaris added in, each of these variables ensures that the tea that is made in each house is different and unique. Here are a fewtricksyou can have up your sleeve to make a fabulous cup of tea, when the guests drop in, or just for yourself. Experiment with these 5ingredients, by themselves or as a combination with each other. And we assure you, your morning chai will never be the same again.
1. Tulsi:It is not uncommon to findtulsigrowing in an Indian household. This commonherbhas great cultural significance but it is the flavour that I love. A few freshly plucked tulsi leaves (2-3 per cup) do wonders for the taste of yourtea. Add them in a minute or so after you add the tea leaves and boil, so that the flavour integrates with the chai.
How to make masala chai:This common herb has great cultural significance2. Elaichi (Green Cardamom):Elaichihas a refreshing flavour that can boost an ordinary cup of tea. For one cup, 1-2 pods are enough, too many makes it overpowering. You could crush the seeds and add, or just crack the pod to open it up a little and add while boiling the tea.
How to make masala chai:You could crush the seeds and add in the tea3. Black Peppercorn:In all honesty, I had never triedblack peppercornto my tea until I saw it on a menu one day in one of the recently opened chai cafes. It had my attention, especially as my favouriteremedyfor a sore throat is boiled peppercorn water. Since then, whenever my throat is hurting a little, I make sure I add a few peppercorns while making my morning tea as well.
How to make masala chai: add black peppercorns4. Cinnamon (Dalchini):The smell ofcinnamonis almost magical. Thisaromaand the warmth of this much-loved spice can take your chai-game up a notch. However, cinnamon is a strong spice, use sparingly. As it gives warmth to the body, it is also a great spice to use in winters.
How to make masala chai:cinnamon is a strong spice, use sparingly5. Ginger:How can any chai article be complete without the king of chai-spices -ginger. This one is a personal favourite. I like to crush the ginger a little and add into thewaterbefore it starts boiling so that the juices have enough time to add flavour. It is great for sore throats too. Or just to bring a smile on your face, urging you to have a great day ahead.
How to make masala chai: Crush the ginger to add in the tea
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Masala Chai
My favourite recipe for masala chai is one that my mother-in-law makes. It is honed by instinct and perfected by experience.
For 2 cupsIngredients:
1.5 cup ofWater
1 cup of Milk
1.5 tsp ofBlack tea
1 tsp ofGinger (grated)
5-6 Tulsi leaves
Method:
1. In a pan, boil the water and milk together. Add the freshly grated ginger.
2. When it starts boiling (and not before that), add the tea leaves.
3. Boil on low heat for around 2 minutes. Add tulsi and stir.
4. Continue boiling on low heat till the colour starts changing and the consistency becomes a little less watery (another 2-3 minutes).
5. Strain and serve hot.
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