Cardamom-infused chai tea is a delightful and aromatic beverage that originates from India. It combines the bold flavors of black tea with a blend of spices, including cardamom, to create a warm and comforting drink. Here’s a more detailed recipe for making cardamom-infused chai tea:
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags or 4 tablespoons loose black tea leaves
- 4-6 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the black tea bags or loose tea leaves to the saucepan.
- Add the crushed cardamom pods, ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the tea and spices simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Stir in the milk and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chai tea steep for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the chai tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into teacups or a teapot to remove the tea leaves and spices.
- Sweeten the chai tea with honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
- Serve the cardamom-infused chai tea hot and enjoy its aromatic flavors and comforting warmth.
You can adjust the strength of the chai tea by varying the amount of milk and spices used, and you can also experiment with adding other spices such as cloves, nutmeg, or black peppercorns for additional flavor complexity. It’s a versatile and customizable beverage that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or enjoying as a soothing treat any time.