Made with whole spices ground fresh, this chai is worlds apart from any pre-made mix. The aroma alone makes it worth the extra five minutes.
JEEVA EARTH PRODUCTS USED
Ingredients
- 4 Green Cardamom pods
- 1 small piece True Cinnamon (about 1 inch)
- 4 Black Peppercorns
- 2 Whole Cloves
- A tiny grating of Whole Nutmeg
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 2 tsp strong CTC or Assam tea leaves
- Sugar or jaggery to taste
- ½ inch fresh ginger, grated
Method
- Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush cardamom pods, peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon. You want coarse fragments, not fine powder.
- Bring water and ginger to a boil in a saucepan. Add the crushed spices and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add tea leaves and boil for 1 minute until the water turns deep amber.
- Add milk and bring back to a gentle boil, then lower heat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Watch it doesn’t boil over.
- Add sugar or jaggery to taste. Strain into cups through a fine sieve. Finish with a tiny grating of fresh nutmeg over the top.