Masala Chai Tea Blend
Masala Chai Tea Blend
Masala chai is a household drink in India -- people drink it all day long and all year round. The secret to a great cup of masala chai is the spices added to the black tea, which is then boiled with the milk of your choice. Similar to my Garam Masala spice blend, many homes have their secret recipe to make masala chai! Masala chai has many medicinal benefits: the cloves have anti-inflammatory properties, the green cardamom has proven cancer-fighting compounds, the black peppercorns help with digestion and nutrient absorption, the fennel seeds have a calming effect, the cinnamon lowers the risk of diabetes and helps regulate blood sugar, the ginger powder helps build immunity against the flu and common cold, the nutmeg helps with blood circulation, and the saffron is a powerful antioxidant. But perhaps best of all, masala chai gives off a warm and herby aroma! Every Thanksgiving I use it to make Chai Masala Pumpkin Pie as my way of adding an Indian touch to a classic American holiday. Store this easy, homemade tea blend in an airtight container in your kitchen pantry for up to 3 months, and always use a clean, dry spoon when making new tea from it.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole black pepper
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon ginger powder
- 2 tablespoons cloves
- 3 tablespoons cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads, (optional)
Instructions
- Grind all ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use (the mixture will stay good at room temperature for up to 3 months).