Quick Masala Chai!!

Chai is the most famous drink in India. Though it is so straightforward to make and the ingredients do not change that much, each Chai tastes different. Each house/tea shop/restaurant has its own taste of Chai, its own recipe for Chai. 

There are two reasons why this Chai recipe happens to be my first blog. 

i) When my younger cousin could not speak 'Chandani' properly, she started calling me something that sounded like 'Chai'. And the name has stuck even now :). 

ii) Chai is, by far the most frequently made drink in our house, and it happens to be the favorite drink of my husband. Chais are made at our place almost any time. Be it early mornings, late nights or lazy afternoons. There is no bad time for tea time :).

So, here is my Chai recipe  ...

Ingredients:

1 cup skim milk

1 tsp dried tea leaves

3 cardamoms(crushed) with outer shells

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger powder(or freshly crushed ginger)

2-3 mint leaves

2-3 drops vanilla essence

sugar according to taste

Method:

• Put all the ingredients except milk in a flat bottomed pan. If you are using fresh ginger, that should be added later.
• Heat milk in a microwave-safe cup for 60-90 seconds. This can be done on the stove,too but heating the milk in the microwave will reduce the total amount of time and will also keep the bottom of the pan from getting all sticky and black.
• Add milk in the pan and bring to boil.  Reduce the heat and add freshly crushed ginger at this point. Simmer it for a minute. 
• Strain the tea and serve immediately.

Enjoy!!!