EN
Masala (masala chai) means "spiced tea" in Hindi. It is a warming drink enjoyed in India at home, in cafes and on the street: the base is strong black tea, and the aroma comes from a blend of spices and milk.
There is no single masala recipe: every family has its own set of spices. So think of the flavor of this tea as a classic spicy base that you can make milder, spicier or sweeter to your taste.
Composition and Taste
- Base: strong black tea, often Assam
- Typical spices in masala: cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, black pepper, fennel, star anise
- Serving: hot, with milk; sugar or honey if you like
- Sold by weight
The taste is sweet, spicy and warming: cardamom and cinnamon give a soft sweetness, ginger and pepper a light kick, and milk makes the drink creamy and full-bodied. Fennel and clove add light earthy notes.
Why You'll Love It
Masala is perfect for cold weather and rainy evenings, when you want to warm up and unwind. It is nice in the morning instead of coffee or in the afternoon with light pastries. You can make it with different kinds of milk, including plant-based, and adjust the amount of spices to your taste.
How to Brew
- Bring water to a boil and add whole spices, if you have them separately; let them steep for a few minutes
- Add the tea, about 3 g per 200 ml, and bring to a boil
- Pour in milk (about a third of the volume) and bring to a boil once more
- Strain and serve hot; add sugar or honey if you like
Storage
Store in a tightly closed jar in a dry, cool place, away from light and strong odors, so the spices keep their aroma.