Masala Chai(मसाला चाय)

As my first post in  my blog is about how to make masala chai. In India chai is very default drink after water to serve your guest with some snack. Beautiful thing about chai is that it will go with any kind of snack such as samosa,pakora, paratha, mixture, khakhara ,vada pav, dalvada, masala-puri etc even you can enjoy it by itself.I like my chai with water in milk. Some people, like my dad love their chai just made with milk.

Ingredients:-

(1). half cup milk

(2). half cup water

(3). 2-3 teaspoon of sugar(according to taste)

(4). 3 cloves

(5). 1 small cinnamon stick

(6). 4-5 cardamom seeds

(7). 1 teaspoon of shredded ginger

(8). 1-2 teaspoon of  black tea/chai(taj mahal, vaghbakari, lipton etc)

Take ingredients from 4 to 7 and grind it(mortar and pestle). Now heat the water in the sauce pan on stove and add the ground spices let it simmer for 1 or 2 minute . Now add chai in that water and stir it well, add sugar.Wait for water to boil, when water starts boiling reduce the stove flame, add milk and let it simmer for 1-2 minute. Stir in between. If chai starts boiling reduce the flame and simmer it another 1 minute. Before turning off the stove, bring chai to boil, you should see chai is coming to the surface of pan. 

In India the chai-walas stands on the corner of the street with their small carts, they simmer/boil  chai like 4-5 times before giving to their customers.The idea behind is simmering makes spices to get mix well with milk, it makes chai stronger in its taste.Also simmering allows spices to release its aroma which makes chai more tempting.

Pour brewed chai in mug using strainer. Now enjoy with some snack or just by itself.

Tips:- If people are diabetic, dont add sugar after adding chai. Add sweetner later in brewed chai. Same way instead of using regular sugar, one can use truvia or spleda.