How do you make Indian tea?

Ingredients:

* Black tea: Assam or Darjeeling tea are popular choices, but any strong black tea will work. About 1 teaspoon per cup.

* Milk: Whole milk is traditional, but you can use low-fat or even plant-based milk like almond or soy.

* Water: Use fresh, filtered water for the best taste.

* Sugar: White, brown, or even jaggery are common. Sweeten to your taste.

* Spices: This is where you get the unique flavor of Chai! Here are some common additions:

* Cardamom: Whole pods or ground, for a warm, slightly sweet aroma.

* Ginger: Fresh or ground, for a spicy kick.

* Cinnamon: Sticks or ground, adds warmth and a bit of sweetness.

* Cloves: For a slightly pungent aroma.

* Black peppercorns: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your spices: If using whole spices, crush them lightly to release their flavor.

2. Boil water: In a saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil.

3. Add milk: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture back to a boil.

4. Add spices: Add the spices (and sugar, if desired) to the boiling milk and water.

5. Add tea: Stir in the tea leaves.

6. Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea has steeped to your desired strength.

7. Strain: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into your cups or mugs.

8. Serve: Enjoy hot! You can add a splash of milk or cream to your cup if you prefer.

Variations:

* Masala chai: This is the most common type of Indian tea. It includes cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns.

* Ginger chai: A simple variation that uses just ginger and black tea.

* Spiced chai: Experiment with different combinations of spices to find your favorites.

Tips:

* Use fresh spices for the best flavor.

* Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.

* Use a good quality tea for the best results.

* If you don't have a strainer, you can use a cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

Enjoy your delicious Indian tea!