Making a delicious cup of chai for two is easy and enjoyable. Chai is a spiced tea popular in India, and it’s known for its rich, aromatic flavors. Here’s a simple recipe for two servings:
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
2 cups of milk (whole milk or any milk of your choice)
2-3 teaspoons of loose black tea leaves or 2 tea bags
2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
2-3 whole cloves
1 small piece of cinnamon stick (about 1 inch)
1-2 slices of fresh ginger (adjust to taste)
A pinch of black peppercorns (optional, for some heat)
A pinch of fennel seeds (optional, for added flavor)
A pinch of star anise (optional)
A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1-2 bay leaves (optional)
A few strands of saffron (optional, for a luxurious touch)
Instructions:
- Crush the Spices: Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. This will release their flavors more effectively.
- Boil Water and Add Spices: In a saucepan, add the water and all the crushed spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), along with the ginger slices, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, star anise, nutmeg, and bay leaves if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow the spices to infuse into the water.
- Add Tea Leaves: Add the loose black tea leaves or tea bags to the spice-infused water. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can simmer for a bit longer.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and stir well. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the chai to heat and the flavors to meld. Be careful not to let it boil over.
- Sweeten: Add sugar to taste. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust according to your preference. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Strain and Serve: Using a fine-mesh strainer or a tea strainer, strain the chai into cups or mugs. This will remove the tea leaves and spices, leaving you with a smooth, aromatic chai.
- Optional Garnish: If you want to add a touch of luxury, you can garnish your chai with a few strands of saffron. Simply crush the saffron strands and sprinkle them on top of your chai.
Enjoy your homemade chai for two! Adjust the spices and sweetness to suit your taste, and savor the comforting flavors of this classic Indian tea.