It is a typical Indian drink. For its preparation, Assam tea and some species used in Ayurvedic medicine are used. Among them ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper. It can include other ingredients such as cloves, anise, etc. In this post you will learn what Masala chai tea is , flavor, uses and recipes.
This tea is very common in the streets of India, which is sold by the so-called chai-wallahs, offering their own recipes, sweet or spicy. There is no precise preparation of this tea, it can be drunk with water or include milk (which softens the aroma of the spices).
The Masala Chai has a millennial tradition. Before, it was not drunk in the form of tea, but rather a kind of hot infusion that, according to Ayurvedic medicine, served to improve digestion and circulation. As the Indian culture has become more popular, Masala chai tea has been introduced to the western market.
Masala Chai Tea Flavors
The flavors of Masala Chai tea are varied , everything will depend on the ingredients that are included to prepare it. The typical recipe It has black tea, a mixture of spices, milk and sweetener. When boiled together, the flavors mingle, creating a rich, spicy-sweet invigorating drink.
The most widely used black tea in India for your preparation it is Assam, although in the south of the country the Nilgiri is preferred. To prepare Masala chai, a robust tea with an intense flavor is required that does not clash with the rest of the flavors.
The milk that is normally used is from water buffalo, but in other countries it is cow’s milk. There are also those who use condensed or evaporated milk. Now, to sweeten it anyone can be, among them: honey, cane sugar, brown sugar, syrup, etc. In India, cane sugar or palm juice is used.
Mixtures of spices commonly used in India are: ginger, cardamom, black pepper, mace, and nutmeg. However, in the south of the country basil, chili powder, cumin, rose petals, licorice root and salt are added.
In the last 20 years, companies have offered a wide variety of chai teas, prepared in all possible ways. For example, you can find:
- Masala chai green tea .
- Masala chai black tea .
- Also, basilur masala chai tea .
- Matcha masala chai tea
- And black tea with masala chai spices.
Any of these beverages can be served hot or cold and come in different forms: sachets, spice mixes, soluble granules, and powdered iced tea.
Masala chai tea benefits
Knowing what Masala chai tea is for is important, drinking it helps to energize the body and keep the mind alert. Other benefits of Masala chai tea are as follows.
- As it contains cinnamon, cloves and ginger, it provides anti-inflammatory effects, as well as preventing and alleviating symptoms associated with arthritis and pneumatosis.
- Antiseptic properties. Clove and pepper add properties to masala chai tea, which protect against bacteria that can cause indigestion or illness.
- Strengthens the immune system. Protects from colds and flu symptoms.
- digestive properties. Cardamom, ginger and pepper protects from general discomfort in the body, as well as dizziness, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Cinnamon and tea contain antioxidants, so it prevents oxidative damage to cells.
- There are those who claim that drinking this tea helps fight depression.
- Mixing spices and tea stimulates the brain and gives extra vitality.
- It is a natural antiseptic, which helps fight the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Its vitamins and minerals strengthen teeth and bones.
Masala Chai Tea Recipe
These are two examples of Masala chai tea .
Traditional masala chai tea
This is the most traditional way of doing it, that’s how they do it in India.
Ingredients:
- 10 grams of ginger.
- A cinnamon stick.
- Six cardamom berries.
- 8 cloves.
- 300 ml of water.
- 300 ml of almond milk.
- 10 gr of Assam tea.
- A teaspoon of palm sugar.
Method of preparation:
- Clean the ginger and lightly crush it in a mortar, so its juices will come off more easily. We do the same with cardamom and cinnamon.
- Bring the crushed ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves to a boil in a saucepan with water.
- Let it cook over low heat for about 2 minutes to release its flavors.
- Black tea and almond milk are added. It should continue to simmer.
- As soon as it starts to boil again, add the palm sugar that must dissolve well.
- Ready! Now you just have to strain it, serve it and enjoy it.
Masala Chai Tea with Vanilla and Milk
To prepare it, the following ingredients are required:
- A cup of black tea.
- ½ cup of almond milk.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla.
- A frozen banana.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- A pinch of cardamom powder.
- A teaspoon of chia seeds.
These are the steps:
- It is very easy to prepare, the tea is made as it is normally done. When it is ready, we put all the ingredients in the blender, until it reaches a suitable consistency.
- It is served and drunk.
Masala chai tea contraindications
Having a considerable amount of caffeine can cause the following symptoms: insomnia, nervousness, elevated blood pressure, restlessness, dizziness and if consumed in excess it can cause high blood pressure. To avoid these symptoms, black tea can be replaced by green tea.