Prep Time
5 mins
Servings
4 Servings
Cook Time
10 mins
Difficulty
Easy
An authentically spiced milk tea that is quick and easy to brew - ideal to bring some eastern spice to cold winter evenings or festive cheer. Perfect served hot or chilled over ice.
Ingredients
500 ml water
400 ml semi-skimmed milk (or substitute with unsweetened plant milk for vegan) (Use whole milk for creamier chai)
8 g (or 4 tea bags) black tea leaves (assam or strong black tea) or tea bags (Loose leaves give best flavour)
24 g caster sugar (Adjust to taste; honey or syrup can be used)
10 g fresh ginger, thinly sliced (Adds fresh warmth; omit for milder chai)
4 pods green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 small (about 4 cm) cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
4 black peppercorns, lightly crushed (Optional — adds a gentle heat)
Method
Step 1
Crush the cardamom pods and peppercorns lightly with the back of a spoon and slice the ginger thinly.
Step 2
Combine the water, crushed spices, cinnamon stick and sliced ginger in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 3
Lower the heat and simmer the spice mixture for 4–5 minutes to extract the flavour. If you prefer a stronger spice note, simmer a minute longer.
Step 4
Add the tea leaves or tea bags to the pan and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the brew is fragrant and dark.
Step 5
Stir in the milk and sugar, increase the heat slightly and bring back to just under a simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously, or the milk may scald.
Step 6
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the tea and milk blend. Taste and adjust sugar or simmer time to reach desired strength.
Step 7
Strain the chai through a fine sieve into a teapot or directly into cups. Serve immediately hot, or cool and pour over a glass filled with ice for iced chai.
Step 8
To store, keep chilled in a sealed container for up to 48 hours; reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
Energy - 74kcal
Protein - 3.4g
Carbohydrates - 11.3g
Fat - 1.7g
Fibre - 0.1g
This nutritional information is provided as a helpful estimate. Values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Recipe Notes
For vegan chai, use unsweetened oat or soy milk and check sweetness. Adjust spice quantities to taste and strain well for a smooth cup.
