The Ideal Masala Chai Recipe for a Nepali Tea Enthusiast
If you have clicked on this blog, then you definitely must be a chai lover commonly known as “chiya” in Nepal. Masala tea is the first option for people who love to drink tea. This is because a cup of masala tea is not only aromatic and refreshing, but is also packed with various nutrients. There are various ways of preparing a masala tea but the ingredients are similar to a certain extent. Ginger, cardamom and cloves are the most widely used spices while preparing masala tea.
Read full blog to find out what masala chai is, ingredients used in masala chai, methods for preparing masala chai and the health benefits of masala chai.
What is Masala Chai?
Chai without masala makes chai feel blant. If you are and have been a masala chai lover, then you must be familiar with what a masala chai is. But, if you are new to masala chai, let us explain you what actually a masala chai is. As the name itself indicates, masala chai or “Chiya” is a Nepali tea beverage that is prepared by mixing herbs and spices in milk tea. The aromatic feature produced by a masala chai is something you cannot resist and will definitely get addicted to.
Masala chai is one of the most preferred beverages in Nepali household as well. This is why, various types of masala chai are available in the Nepali market and all around the world.
Ingredients for Masala Chai
Preparing masala chai is really easy and can be prepared within 10 minutes. So, do you want to try out masala tea? Before moving on to the masala chai recipe, lets get started with listing down the ingredients required for masala chai tea:
Masala Chai Ingredients
The ingredients required for preparing masala chai is readily available at Nepali households. Here’s the list of ingredients required for preparing a masala chai:
- Water
- Milk
- Sugar
- Black Tea Leaves
- Herbs and Spices
The herbs and spices can be used according to your taste and preference. If you want to prepare and enjoy the best masala chai, here are the herbs & spices you can use:
Cinnamon
Masala chai is incomplete without cinnamon. Adding cinnamon to your masala chai not only adds aromatic flavor to your tea but also presents various health benefits. Also, cinnamon is also very well known for its antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Adding cinnamon to masala chai is also very beneficial for women as it reduces PMS and menstrual cramps. You can either use cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder.
Cloves
This is another masala chai ingredient that is readily available in every Nepali household. Just like cinnamon, cloves are also a good source of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In addition to beautiful aroma, cloves also help in easing the digestion process and thus contributes to weight loss.
Ginger
Be it masala chai or normal chai, Nepali people love to add ginger to their tea, especially during winters. Sipping a hot cup 0f ginger tea is something that provides out of the world experience. Ginger is considered to be one of the healthiest spices in the world as it is a very good source of Vitamin C, Magnesium and many more. Fresh, dried or powdered ginger can be used while preparing masala chai.
Green Cardamom
Have you ever tried your milk tea infused with green cardamom? If not, this is definitely worth trying! Green cardamom added to your milk tea is not only aromatic and tasty, but also full of health benefits. Highly rich in potassium, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C and magnesium, Cardamom is extremely beneficial for our health and digestive system.
Other Spices
Apart from these spices, there are many spices available in the market that can be used in preparing masala chai. Some of them are lemon grass, mint leaves, ashwagandha, nutmeg, etc. You are free to add the spices of your choice.
Steps to Make Masala Chai
So, got your masala tea ingredients ready? Now, let’s prepare a cup of refreshing and healthy masala chai. There are two methods for preparing masala chai, however the spices are the same. First way is to ground and store all the desired spices and use it while preparing masala chai. Other one is to ground the spices while preparing the masala chai. While the first option is easier and saves time, the second one gives more strong and fresh taste and aroma. Choosing any one is your personal choice.
Steps to Make Masala Chai: Method 1
Step 1: Pour required amount of water in a boiling pot and turn on the heat. When the water starts to boil, add tea leaves or tea bags as per your preference. Let the mixture boil properly.
Step 2: Prepare the spices as per your preference. Put 2 to 3 cloves, 1 cinnamon and 4 green cardamoms in a spice grinder and grind them finely to bring out the flavors.
Step 3: Add the powdered spices and ginger (sliced or grated) to the tea.
Step 4: Now, add required amount of sugar to the mixture and let it boil for a while.
Step 5: Add required amount of milk to the mixture. While adding milk, make sure that the ginger has been boiled well, else it can mess up your masala tea.
Step 6: Now let the tea boil for about 5 minutes or until the quantity of tea reduces and there is a layer of cream in the tea.
Step 7: Now, your tea is ready to be strained and served.
Steps to Make Masala Chai: Method 2
The second method of preparing masala chai is for the ones who love masala chai and consume it on a daily basis. Unlike in the first method, in this method, you’ll require to prepare and store your spices in advance so that you can use it in a regular basis.
Prepare the spices as per your requirements for a period of about a month or so. You will need to use the ingredients mentioned in Method 1. Now, while preparing masala tea, add these stored spices to black tea and then follow the same steps as in method one. The only difference is that, in this method you’ll have the spices prepared in advance and stored for long term use.
Health Benefits of Masala Chai
As mentioned before, masala chai is not only full or aroma, it is also packed with various nutrients and health benefits. Let’s have a look at the various health benefits of masala chai:
Reduces Inflammation
With masala chai, you will not only feel refreshed, but will also be packed with inflammatory properties. A cup of masala chai is an excellent source of antioxidants and antibacterial properties which will aid in digestion process and also reduces inflammation. The spices used in masala chai also provides potential anti-cancer effects.
Boosts Immunity
It is also a proven fact that masala chai boosts immunity. The tea leaves and spices used in masala chai are rich in nutrients that strengths your overall immunity. It is also said that masala chai helps prevent cancer in the long run. The mixture of cinnamon and cloves work to create a strong medicinal effect that works to improve your body’s natural defense system.
Aids Digestion
Masala tea is one of the major contributors to a healthy digestion system. This is why, masala tea is very important for a proper gut health. Spices used in masala chai is packed with healing properties that help produce digestive enzymes and accelerate digestive processes by breaking down fats and proteins.
Contains Antioxidants
With various herbs and spices, masala chai is full of antioxidant properties. With these antioxidants, people who drink masala chai are prevented from various diseases like cough and cold, cholesterol, cancer, blood pressure and many more!
Prevents Cancer
Various researches have shown that masala chai helps prevent cancer to a certain extent. This is mainly due to the antioxidants present in masala chai. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom are rich in cancer preventing properties.
Increases Your Energy Levels
Yes, you read it right! Drinking a hot cup of masala chai boosts your energy level. This is because, the basic ingredient of masala chai is black tea. And, this black tea is high in caffeine which boosts one’s energy level.
If you are looking for a quick yet the most flavorful loose masala tea from Nepal with all the ingredients and spices mixed in right proportions, try 02° Yak Mountain Chia Traditional (Chai) from Danfe Tea. Follow the traditional preparation instruction on the product page for the best tasting chai.
Danfe Tea has been established with a commitment to pull out the Nepalese Tea Industry of the anonymity, and bring about a change by introducing to the consumers, the unique flavors of premium quality tea varieties which originate in a uniquely pristine climate of the foothills of mighty high Himalayan mountains of Nepal.