Classic Chai Tea

Name: Classic Chai Tea
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose leaf tea); 2 cups water; 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative); 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, crushed; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 whole cloves; 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced; 4 black peppercorns; 2 tbsp sugar (or honey)

A warming spiced tea from the Indian subcontinent featuring black tea with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, sweetened and mixed with milk.

20 minEasyServes 2120 cal/serving

IndianNon-Alcoholic DrinkStovetopVegetarianLow-SodiumPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose leaf tea)
2 cups water
1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
4 black peppercorns
2 tbsp sugar (or honey)

Instructions

1

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 4 crushed green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, 1 inch sliced fresh ginger, and 4 black peppercorns.
2

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the spices.
3

Add 2 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose leaf tea) and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4

Stir in 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative) and 2 tbsp sugar (or honey), then return to a simmer.
5

Once simmering, remove from heat and let steep for 2 minutes.
6

Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs.
7

Serve hot, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for honey in Classic Chai Tea?

The entry for Classic Chai Tea calls for 2 tbsp sugar (or honey). In its place: Maple syrup or agave, measure for measure, which also makes it vegan.

Is Classic Chai Tea vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp sugar (or honey). For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan non-alcoholic drink collection.

How many calories are in Classic Chai Tea?

One serving (the recipe makes 2) is about 120 calories, with 8 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 124 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I batch Classic Chai Tea for a group?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Halved, the tea drops from 2 to 1; doubled, it is 4. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. To make a pitcher, multiply everything and stir over ice at the end.

Serve it with

Kheer dessert
Masala Omelette breakfast
Paneer Tikka Skewers starter

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