Masala is an Indian hot sweet drink based on black tea with spices, milk and sugar. The word “masala” itself is used in the Indian language to denote a mixture of spices, so “masala chai” literally translates to “tea with spices.”
Traditionally, masala tea contains five main components:
- tea leaves infusion;
- sugar or honey to sweeten the drink;
- milk;
- water;
- spices.
Instead of whole milk, condensed milk with sugar is also suitable. Spices that are brewed into masala tea include cinnamon, ginger, fennel, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, licorice, and saffron. The combination of ginger and pepper makes the drink spicy and warming. Cardamom, cinnamon, licorice, and nutmeg add sweet, delicate notes to the taste of the exotic drink.
This is interesting! In order to pronounce “masala chai” without error, the stress in the word “masala” is placed on the second syllable.
What spices do people like to add to masala tea in India?
In India, cardamom with cloves, as well as ginger and black pepper are always added to masala tea. Spices vary at your discretion (usually at least 7-8 types of different seasonings), but cardamom is a must. For brewing, use a black tea leaf, and sweeten the drink with palm sugar.
What are the benefits of masala tea, possible contraindications
Black tea has high tonic properties. Masala, due to the addition of milk, also has a softening effect on the throat. In India, the birthplace of the world-famous science of human health, Ayurveda, every component of tea is not accidental. Combinations of different spices achieve a certain healing effect. But you shouldn’t forget about possible contraindications when creating an individual recipe for masala tea.
You should understand in detail what the benefits and harms of the drink are.
- Masala tea stimulates digestion, metabolic processes of the body, and has absorbent properties.
- The drink has an antiseptic quality and helps reduce inflammation in the body.
- Useful for people with vascular diseases, as it has a tonic effect. Normalizes blood circulation.
- Relieves stress, tension, relaxes the nervous system, calms.
- Masala is an invaluable aid for colds and viral diseases. It will help reduce high fever and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
- Regular consumption of masala tea helps strengthen the immune system.
- Possible harm includes allergic reactions that may occur to highly active components of the drink.
- Masala tea is also contraindicated for people with significant stomach and intestinal problems (gastritis, colitis, ulcers and similar diseases). Spices and spices have a warming effect, but irritate the gastric mucosa.
- Pregnant women, young mothers during breastfeeding, and children under 5-7 years old should also not drink the spicy drink.
According to the people of India, daily consumption of milk brings particular benefits. Tea with milk also calms the nervous system, strengthens bones (milk contains a lot of calcium), and contains components that are beneficial to humans.
How to make masala tea
You can make masala tea either from ready-made mixtures or by selecting the ingredients yourself. Ready-made mixtures already include tea leaves and spices. Spices may vary, but basically the mixture contains dried ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, anise, allspice.
Recipe for making tea from ready-made masala mixture
To prepare masala tea from the prepared mixture, simply follow the instructions on the manufacturer's packet. Such tea compositions can be brewed with plain water (without milk), like regular tea:
- Take 1 tsp per cup of drink. mixtures;
- pour boiling water over the tea leaves with spices;
- brew for 3-5 minutes;
- add sugar or a spoonful of honey.
If desired, water can be mixed with heated milk (in any proportion to taste).
Attention! The amount of mixture per cup may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Different types of tea are also used. Today you can find original tea blends for any gourmet.
An exotic option is “blue masala”. Blue masala tea is prepared on the basis of Thai blue tea Anchan, but with the addition of Indian spices. Anchan gives the drink a special delicate taste and rich blue color (there is no need to add black tea to the drink).
Classic recipe for masala tea with milk
True tea connoisseurs recommend not buying ready-made mixtures, but always making tea yourself, purchasing all the seasonings separately. Experts also say: spices should not be purchased crushed, but in their “natural” form - grains, pods, roots.
To grind spices, use a mortar and pestle (or, in extreme cases, a coffee grinder). The thing is that the ground spice immediately begins to lose its aroma and some of its beneficial properties. Thus, by grinding the seasonings yourself before preparing tea, you achieve maximum benefits, taste and smell for this magnificent drink.
The remaining pureed spices are wrapped in thick foil bags for storage. They should be used for tea as soon as possible.
This homemade recipe takes into account all the traditional nuances of brewing masala tea.
To prepare masala tea at home you will need:
- a small saucepan for brewing a drink;
- mortar and pestle for grinding spices;
- strainer for straining the drink before serving.
Ingredients:
- water 500 ml;
- milk – 500 ml (the proportions of water and milk can be changed to taste, maintaining the total volume of liquid);
- black tea (any - Indian, Ceylon, Chinese, etc.);
- dried ginger - a pinch;
- black pepper (peas) – 4-5 pcs.;
- cardamom - a pinch;
- anise – 4-5 stars;
- cinnamon – 1 stick;
- nutmeg - a pinch;
- Jamaican allspice – 4-5 pcs.;
- fennel – 5-6 seeds;
- sugar to taste.
Important! The amount of spices (and even their composition) can be varied to taste.
How to cook:
Step 1. Put water on fire, throw all the spices into it.
Step 2. When the water reaches a boil, add milk, tea leaves and sugar.
Step 3. Reduce the heat on the stove to minimum, and keep the drink on the fire for another 3-5 minutes, stirring gently. The milk should not boil, as it will quickly burn, and this will ruin the whole tea.
Step 4. After finishing the heat treatment, let the drink brew for another 5-7 minutes.
Step 5. Strain the masala tea into cups and serve.
This is a classic recipe. You can brew masala tea not only with cow's milk, but also with goat's milk.
Additional information! In India, spices are first fried in clarified butter, called ghee, and then added to tea. Also, high-fat milk is used to prepare masala tea, which makes the tea tastier and more nutritious.
Masala tea for weight loss
Ginger and pepper help enhance digestion and improve metabolic processes in the body. And milk will help cope with the feeling of hunger. Therefore, masala tea is recommended to be drunk during a diet for the purpose of losing weight. But it is prepared with low-calorie milk with 1% fat content. It is good to use fresh ginger, at the rate of 1 tsp. per glass of drink. This tea will have a powerful warming effect.
Attention! The drink should not be drunk more than 1-2 cups a day, as it can harm the stomach.
To prepare masala tea for weight loss, you will need (based on 2 cups of drink):
- water – 300 ml;
- milk 1% - 200 ml;
- black tea – 1 tsp;
- ginger (root) – a small piece;
- spices and sugar - to taste.
Peel the ginger root with a vegetable peeler or the edge of a tablespoon. Cut into small pieces or grate. Boil water with spices and ginger, then add milk, sugar, tea leaves. In general, the cooking method does not differ from the instructions for the classic recipe. It is especially good to drink tea for weight loss in the morning on an empty stomach to start metabolic processes in the body.
The following video explains how delicious traditional masala tea with a sweet, spicy taste is prepared in India:
Masala chai literally translates to “spiced tea.” It's just black tea with milk and spices.
By choosing different spices, you can influence the taste of your masala tea.
Masala chai is a traditional Indian drink. Among the many things that are considered traditionally Indian, but in reality have sunk into oblivion in modern times, masala tea remains a living tradition to this day throughout India.
In any city in India, you can see a tea master's stall on the street with a small hotplate for brewing tea and large glass jars of biscuits.
You can approach him and simply say “chai” in Russian, you don’t need to say “masala” or the English “ti”, for Hindus “chai” is sweet black tea with milk and spices.
They drink masala tea in small cups or the same tiny paper cups as Italians drink coffee. We noticed that they are great gourmets and connoisseurs of this spicy, velvety drink. Because the best masala tea that we were able to try was in those places that are designed exclusively for locals, where there are no foreign tourists. In cafes and restaurants for foreign tourists, masala tea was served in larger mugs and its taste was always inferior.
This article will contain a recipe for making masala tea from a ready-made mixture, which can be purchased at specialty spice stores. And I will tell you how to brew masala tea from individual spices, how much and which spices to take, grind or use whole.
So, to prepare masala tea from a ready-made spice mixture, you will need:
water, milk, sugar, black tea, masala chai spice mixture, cinnamon.
Cinnamon is the main spice of masala tea; there is very little of it in the finished mixture to get a really tasty tea. Therefore, we will add cinnamon separately to the finished set of spices. You can use the most common milk, 2.5-3.5 percent fat. Sugar can be either brown or regular white. Black tea is also the most ordinary, granulated or small-leaf.
- Water – 300 ml
- Milk – 200 ml
- Black tea – 3 heaped teaspoons
- Sugar – 1-2 teaspoons (with or without a slide to taste)
- Masala chai spice mixture - 1 level teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1 level teaspoon
Mix water and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. When heating, add sugar and then a set of spices and cinnamon. Adding sugar when brewing tea is a must, as sugar helps the spices and tea release their flavors. If you are not a sweet tooth, then add just a little sugar just for the brewing process.
After the water with milk, sugar and spices boils, add black tea, mix well and cook over low heat for 4-5 minutes at the lightest boil, you can stir occasionally. Pour into mugs through a strainer and enjoy the spicy, velvety drink!
The video shows the entire process of preparing masala tea using a ready-made spice mixture:
And a little about the benefits of masala tea for the human body. Masala tea is a tasty and pleasant drink, but it is drunk in small portions, like strong coffee. Spices have a very beneficial effect on the human body, but, as you know, everything is good in moderation.
Cardamom improves the functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves stress, and stimulates brain function.
Ginger improves the functioning of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, thins the blood and increases blood flow, activates the functions of the senses of perception and intelligence, improves memory, and has a general relaxing and analgesic effect.
Cloves have antiseptic and tonic properties, cleanses the blood of toxins, poisons and heavy metals.
Cinnamon improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, enhances intestinal motility and peristalsis, suppresses a number of genitourinary tract infections and fungi.
Nutmeg improves the functioning of the genitourinary system and is a natural aphrodisiac, strengthening the functioning of the small intestine.
Allspice improves the functioning of the pancreas, helps the stomach digest food, as it promotes the release of hydrochloric acid, improves intestinal function, and helps get rid of toxins and intestinal gases.
Due to the multifaceted effect of spices on the body and their wide composition in masala tea, this hot drink helps a person to normalize and harmonize the functioning of internal organs and the entire body as a whole.
Masala tea is equally good in the morning before breakfast to invigorate, after lunch to refresh your perception, and in the evening to relieve stress. Try this exotic Indian drink, surprise your friends and family, and perhaps it will become a pleasant addition to every working day or a decoration for weekends and holidays!
P.S. Read all articles about India.
Those who traveled to India must have tried Masala tea. A drink with a spicy taste and aroma, the most popular in Indian cuisine. Translated, Masala means “mixture of spices.” The tea is invigorating, incredibly healthy and contains various spices. There are many recipes for the drink, mainly cloves, cardamom, ginger root, black pepper, and fennel dominate. The base is black Indian tea.
The drink has been used since ancient times as a medicine for various diseases, both hot and cold. What are the benefits of Masala tea for the human body, and can it cause harm? How to properly prepare this amazing drink? Let's find out all the details.
According to ancient legend, the Masala recipe appeared at the court of an Asian king back in the 51st century BC. Although historical sources indicate that the drink recipe was invented 3000 BC. However, regions differ.
Some sources indicate that tea was originally prepared in Thailand, others - in India. And the recipe was different from the usual, modern one, it contained exclusively spices. Black tea leaves were added later, since tea bushes were not originally used for making drinks.
The classic recipe, known now, was invented at the beginning of the last century. At the same time, its popularity increased in European countries. Masala tea has become widespread and widely available.
Be that as it may, it is emphasized everywhere that the drink is Ayurvedic and healing. Now this tea is the pride of India.
Composition, calorie content
The product is incredibly useful. It contains a record amount of macro and microelements and vitamins. The composition must include tea (not only black, maybe green), milk, sugar. Spices vary, but are mostly present:
- rose petals;
- ginger root;
- anise;
- fennel seeds;
- pepper (black);
- cardamom;
- almonds;
- mint leaves;
- licorice;
- carnation;
- cinnamon;
- star anise;
- coriander;
- vanilla pods;
- coriander.
Proportions and quantities may vary.
Calorie content of 100 g of product is 35.4 kcal.
Sugar can be replaced with other sweeteners - condensed milk, honey. The drink can be prepared at home by mixing tea with selected herbs and spices in various proportions to suit your taste.
Beneficial properties of Masala tea
- Tea helps in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, relieves pain from arthritis and osteoporosis.
- Recommended for vitamin deficiency.
- Due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, the body's defenses are increased and the immune system is strengthened.
- Metabolic, digestive, lipid, metabolic processes improve.
- The drink stimulates the functioning of the digestive tract and restores the imbalanced balance of intestinal microflora.
- It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.
- Increases sexual desire and is a powerful aphrodisiac.
- Invigorates, improves tone, an excellent alternative to coffee.
- The aging process slows down.
- Helps get rid of extra pounds.
- Relieves the symptoms of pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis.
- Increases the body's resistance to viral diseases.
- Normalizes blood pressure.
- Improves brain function.
- An effective preventative against cancer.
- Recommended in the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases.
- Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- Relieves migraines and headaches.
- Has a calming effect.
- Helps with intestinal disorders (recommended for constipation and diarrhea).
- Relieves abdominal pain and colic thanks to fennel seeds.
- The formation of cholesterol plaques is prevented.
- The risk of stroke and heart attack is reduced.
- It has antibacterial, tonic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antispasmodic properties.
- Relieves fatigue, recommended for increased mental and physical stress.
It is no coincidence that Masala tea is called a “magic drink” in India. It can lift your spirits, relieve pain, and warm your soul and body. You don’t want to take the drink at the same time as baking, which benefits everyone who is obese.
Masala tea for weight loss
Don't exhaust yourself with diets. They are often ineffective and can be harmful to health. It is much more beneficial to use Masala tea.
It is enough to drink 2 cups of a drink a day with a high content of nutmeg and you can forget about the feeling of hunger for the whole day. If you do two such fasting days a week, you can easily get rid of 2-3 extra pounds.
How to prepare Masala tea correctly
There are many cooking recipes. Let's look at the most popular, classic one. Cooking does not require special knowledge or skills.
- Loose leaf tea is poured with cold water and left to stand for 10 minutes.
- Selected herbs and spices are crushed using a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor.
- The milk is brought to a boil, sugar or other sweetener is added, and the swollen black tea is poured.
- After boiling, add crushed spices.
- The drink is boiled over low heat until creamy (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the container from the heat, cover with a lid, and leave for 15 minutes.
- The drink is ready to drink.
Can be stored in the refrigerator, if necessary, reheated before use or drunk cold. The more spices added and the fattier the milk, the tastier it is. Spices can be changed depending on the time of day. And prepare invigorating tea in the morning and calming tea in the evening.
Possible harm
Masala tea in moderation will only benefit both adults and children. However, there are some restrictions on the use of the product.
If you drink more than 2-3 cups a day, this can trigger the development of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
In case of exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is worth minimizing consumption or preparing a drink with a minimum amount of spices.
The drink is contraindicated if you are intolerant to any components or lactose.
How to drink tea in India
Here, literally at every step you will be offered a cup of an amazing drink. The most popular time to drink Masala tea in the country is midday. Tea is poured from a cup made of unfired clay. It is customary to serve the drink with pies with vegetables and hot spices (pakoras, samosas).
You can prepare this healthy product yourself. Or buy Masala tea in specialized stores, where you will be offered a wide selection with different compositions.
The Indian drink is incredibly beneficial for the body. By introducing it into your daily diet, you will noticeably improve your health, feel a surge of vigor and energy, and get rid of numerous diseases.
06.10.2017
Here you will find interesting information about what masala tea is, why it has medicinal properties and how to brew it correctly in order to fully enjoy its beneficial composition. A cure for all illnesses, broken hearts, bad moods and an unforgettable spicy-warming taste - all this is embodied in one extraordinary Indian drink, the popularity of which is spreading throughout the world.
What is masala chai?
Masala Chai is an invigorating, sweet and spicy tea drink, slightly spicy and very aromatic, thanks to the many spices used to prepare it. Very popular in India and some other neighboring countries. Its name translates as “tea with spices.” The word "Masala" refers to different combinations of spices widely used in Indian cooking.
A hot cup of masala chai is a great alternative to coffee and the perfect way to start your day. This aromatic Indian drink will not only give you strength, but also speed up your metabolism.
What does masala tea look like - photo
Composition of masala tea
Like the garam masala seasoning, masala chai recipes are passed down from generation to generation, may vary by region, and there is no single method of preparation. However, all variations of this drink contain four main components: spices, milk, tea leaves and sugar.
Spices
The spices that are put into this drink are called “warm”. They harmoniously combine with each other and create an incredible composition of rich and spicy taste and piquant, delicate aroma.
The main spices found in almost every version of masala chai are:
- Cinnamon – rich, spicy. Whole cinnamon sticks are preferable to powdered ones.
- Green Cardamom – The sweet, aromatic pods add a spicy flavor that dominates masala chai. 1-2 pieces are enough for one serving.
- Cloves – imparts an intensely spicy aroma and warming taste.
- Fresh ginger is hot but sweet.
- Black pepper – adds a hot, spicy note.
Additional spices:
- Bay leaves are not just for soup! In some parts of India it is a mandatory ingredient in masala chai. Fresh leaves have a mild aroma, while dried leaves are more intense.
- Lemongrass – adds a fresh, citrusy note to the drink, which is especially attractive when combined with plenty of ginger.
- Saffron – It has a bitter taste, and is added in small quantities to milder masala tea mixtures. Colors the drink bright yellow.
- Star Anise – This can be used to add an anise-like flavor to tea.
- Fresh basil - a few leaves (2-3 per cup) will transform the taste of your drink.
Milk
Typically, masala chai is prepared by mixing ¼ to ½ parts full-fat milk with water and heating the liquid to a boil (or even a full boil). For those who prefer to drink tea without milk, simply replace it with water. Some people like to use coconut, rice or almond milk.
True connoisseurs of this Indian drink do not recommend using skim milk, as the spices in it do not reveal their aroma as well.
Tea leaves
Use any good quality, rich flavored black tea available to you.
Sugar
Add plain white, brown, palm or coconut sugar, maple syrup or honey. Sweeteners enhance the flavor of spices and offset the bitter-spicy taste, but you can do without them if you prefer unsweetened tea.
Masala tea recipes
This drink is made quite quickly and simply; the proportions can be varied to taste.
Classic masala tea recipe
You will need:
- 2 glasses of milk;
- 2 glasses of water;
- 4 whole cloves;
- 2 crushed green cardamom pods;
- 2 chopped peppers;
- 1 cinnamon stick;
- 1 grape-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped;
- 2 tsp Sahara;
- 2 tbsp. l. black tea leaves.
How to cook:
- Combine milk, water and spices in a medium saucepan. Boil over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sugar and tea leaves. Stir and then boil for 5 minutes.
- Strain through a strainer and serve.
This recipe is the basics, but don't be afraid to experiment with mixing other spices into this drink and change the proportions to suit your preferences and mood!
Making masala tea from ground spices
You will need:
- Cloves - from 6 to 8 buds.
- Black pepper – from 6 to 8 peas.
- Green cardamom - 6 to 8 pods.
- Cinnamon sticks - from 2 to 3 pieces.
- Dry ginger powder – ½ teaspoon.
- Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon.
- High fat milk – 1 glass.
- Water – 1 glass.
- Fresh ginger - 3 cm slice.
- Tea leaves – 1 tablespoon.
- Sugar - to taste.
- Mortar for spices.
How to cook:
- Place all the spices in a mortar.
- Grind everything into a coarse powder.
- Add water and milk to the pan.
- Put fresh ginger in it.
- Add tea leaves.
- Add the prepared spice mixture.
- Let the tea boil for 4-5 minutes. It will change color to a rich dark brown.
- Carefully strain the hot tea into a cup through a strainer.
- Sweeten the drink. You can add honey instead of sugar.
- Enjoy your Indian masala tea while it's still warm.
How to make masala tea from ready-made mixture
You can also buy ready-made tea masalas, which are dry powdered or granular mixtures with various flavors and spice combinations.
For 1 serving:
- Put 1 tsp. tea mixture in ¾ cup boiling water.
- Brew for 4-5 minutes and strain.
- Add ¼ cup of hot milk and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Also becoming very popular are liquid “tea concentrates” that simply need to be diluted with milk or water to create a flavorful hot or cold drink. Many coffee shops and restaurants use them for convenience instead of brewing masala chai from scratch.
Tea bags that contain an assortment of ground spices are also common and need to be soaked in a mug of hot water.
Simplified recipe for Indian drink
Ingredients:
- whole milk – 1 glass;
- mixture of leaf and granulated tea - 1 tbsp. l;
- ground cardamom – 0.5 tsp;
- water – 2 tbsp.;
- ground cinnamon – ½ tsp;
- star anise – 1 star;
- dried ginger – ½ tsp;
- clove buds – 2-3 pcs.
How to cook:
- Pour water into a ladle or small saucepan, add spices and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 5-7 minutes and add tea mixture.
- Boil for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in a glass of milk.
- Boil tea with milk over low heat for another 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the drink brew for a couple of minutes.
- Strain the masala tea through a strainer.
- Add sugar or honey if desired.
How to make masala tea - video
- Vary the mixture ratio of chai masala, tea leaves, milk and sugar according to your taste.
- Add a few basil leaves, lemongrass and other powdered dried herbs for a more zesty taste and aroma.
- Use other spices such as fennel, bay leaf and star anise.
- Try adding a pinch of black salt to your masala chai.
- Cloves, cardamom, allspice or black pepper, cinnamon, anise, fennel - the combinations are up to you, but fresh ginger is an essential component of masala tea!
How to choose and where to buy good masala tea
It is best to buy malasa tea in an online store specializing in organic products (that is, grown in environmentally friendly places without the use of pesticides). Here is a list of the best ready-mixed Indian masala chai drinks that meet international quality control standards and have received numerous positive reviews:
Tea Tulsi Organic India, 18 bags >>>– 100% organic tea with the addition of basil (tulsi), which gives it a perfect taste full of health. Contains Assam black tea, cassia, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg.
100% organic black tea with spices “500 Mile Chai” The Tao of Tea (114 g) >>>– a mixture of the best black tea with ginger, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. The name of this masala tea translates to “500-mile tea,” an Indian proverb that originated when drivers would stop at small roadside tea stalls (“dhabas”) late at night and ask for strong, sweet tea that would help them travel long distances. distance (it was jokingly called tea “for the next 500 miles”).
Frontier Natural Products Organic Masala Chai (453 g) >>> contains cinnamon, fennel, black pepper, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, grapes, goes well with milk and sweetener.
Organic black tea Tazo Teas, 20 bags >>> with a pronounced taste and spiciness thanks to a rich blend of quality black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and star anise.
Twinings Spice Tea, 25 bags >>> contains 100% natural ingredients, perfectly balanced thanks to the sweet and spicy taste of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger. Brew a tea bag with freshly boiled water and leave for 4-6 minutes depending on the desired strength. It is best to drink it sweet with the addition of milk or cream.
Organic premium tea Stash Tea, 18 bags >>>– This version of an Indian classic blends organic black and green Assam teas with organic cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cardamom. When brewed, it is a very aromatic masala tea with a sweet, strong and deep taste and a rich, intense and long-lasting aftertaste. This tea is pleasant both on its own and with the addition of milk and sugar.
Decaffeinated masala tea “Firelight” Zhena's Gypsy Tea, 22 bags is made from herbal red rooibos tea with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, orange zest, nutmeg and black pepper. Boil water, pour in the bag and leave for 3-5 minutes.
Organic masala tea Choice Organic Teas 16 bags >>>– a balanced blend of rich Assam black tea with traditional spices typical of Southeast Asia: cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black pepper. All ingredients are grown without the use of harmful substances. Pour a glass of boiling water over the tea bag, steep for 5-6 minutes and enjoy.
How to store masala tea
You can store the prepared masala chai powder in an airtight container in a dark cupboard for several weeks.
Beneficial properties of masala tea
Here are 10 beneficial properties that make masala tea unique and healthy:
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Relieves fatigue.
- Fights colds and flu.
- Improves digestion.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Improves metabolism.
- Prevents diabetes.
- Helps with PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
- It lifts your spirits.
- Promotes weight loss.
When analyzing the health benefits of masala chai, it is important to look at each ingredient in the composition. Although they work together, the individual components offer powerful benefits on their own.
- Ginger – aids digestion, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation, which will be especially beneficial for people with arthritis. Has antioxidant properties. Research has shown that ginger may help fight cancer cells.
- Cardamom is good for digestion and supports the immune system. Additionally, it helps detoxify the body, improve circulation, and may fight respiratory diseases.
- Black tea is known for its strong antioxidant properties. The tannins present in it help regulate heart rate and blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
- Cinnamon – also has excellent digestive properties and can balance blood sugar levels. Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Prevents Alzheimer's disease.
- Cloves – Again, this helps with digestion, has pain relieving and antibacterial properties, and regulates blood sugar. Helps reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol.
- Black pepper - new research has shown that it can affect our metabolism. Also provides antibacterial and antioxidant support and aids digestion.
Contraindications (harm) of masala tea
Although there are no known cases of harmful effects of masala tea on the body, still do not indulge too much in it if you have stomach ulcers or hyperacidity. It contains spices, which are almost all spicy, and this is very harmful to the stomach.
Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to any tea components.
Since masala chai is a mixture of various herbs and spices, it is important to exercise caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some spices can lead to hormonal imbalance and other side effects. Avoid ingredients in this drink such as:
- mint;
- sage;
- thyme;
- parsley;
- comfrey;
- licorice (licorice).
In addition to its amazing aroma and invigorating effect, this Indian drink contains only natural ingredients that will benefit your health. Now that you have learned what masala tea is, studied the composition and all the details about its medicinal properties, be sure to try preparing it at home.
Anyone who has ever tried masala tea notes its unforgettable taste, rich aroma and unusually invigorating effect on the entire body. Indeed, each of the ingredients of this tea is useful in its own way, and together they provide an excellent combination of taste, benefits and aroma.
Masala tea - what is it?
Translated from Indian, masala means “mixture”. Indeed, this tea is a combination of spices with the addition of tea leaves, milk and sweetener. This type of tea is the most favorite in India. In these cities, masala vendors - chaiwallas - with teapots and French presses can be found almost everywhere. And if in Europe we enjoy the exquisite taste of coffee, hot chocolate or strong black tea, in India they are replaced by exotic masala.
Where did masala come to us from?
According to legends, the history of masala tea dates back to the distant past. Some legends say that it began to be brewed 5 thousand years ago, while others say that this drink was consumed much earlier. Be that as it may, one thing is certain: tea with spices was born in the east, in what is now India. In those distant times, this drink was also prepared from various spices and herbs and served both hot and cold. But, despite the fact that tea trees had been growing in this area for a long time, for Indians masala tea was a medicinal herbal drink, and not an invigorating drink.
Modern masala appeared much later thanks to the enterprise of British traders. First they began to grow on plantations in India and on the island. Sri Lanka has tea trees and took away the monopoly on the supply of tea from China. And then they launched an entire advertising campaign in this eastern region to promote black tea leaves. Merchants suggested that the managers of factories, mines and textile factories organize a kind of “masala tea breaks” for their workers, while it was recommended to brew the drink according to the British tradition, adding a little milk and sugar. Of course, at first, the Indians, true to their customs, were wary of the new product and did not refuse to add spices to tea. But over time, this method of preparing masala has caught on and is now considered classic.
What is included in masala?
They say that in India there is no one clear recipe for masala, and every family brews it differently. Due to the huge number of preparation methods, we can talk about spiced tea as a large class of drinks, and not just as one of the varieties of tea. However, despite all the variety, this drink must include four main ingredients:
How to brew masala?
It’s easy to brew tea from distant and mysterious India. And if you are missing any ingredient, there is no need to run to the nearest supermarket to the seasoning aisle, because masala tea is a great opportunity to experiment with what you have.
Traditional Indian masala
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. black tea leaf
- 0.5 l water
- 2 tbsp. l. Sahara
- 1 glass of milk
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon, cloves, saffron to taste
Preparation:
It is better to take spices not in granules, but in powder. They should be crushed in a mortar, so they will fully release their aroma, and the taste of the tea will be more intense. There is no need to grind the grains into a fine powder, because the particles can then get through the strainer into the drink. Grate the ginger using the finest grater.
Pour black tea into boiling water and then cook over low heat. After 3 minutes, add spices and cook for another couple of minutes. Pour in the milk and boil for 1-2 minutes to make a thick drink. Keep the heat on low, otherwise the milk will curdle due to the spices and your masala will be ruined.
Next, remove the tea from the heat, add sugar, mix well and let the drink brew for a few minutes. Before drinking, the masala is filtered through a strainer so that tea leaves and spices do not get into the drink.
Your masala chai is ready. Enjoy!
Masala with tea bags
Ingredients:
- Grind a few cardamom pods
- 8 black pepper granules
- 8 dried cloves
- Grated ginger
- 4 glasses of water
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 allspice granules
- 2 star anise
- Vanilla
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 4 tea bags
- 2 tbsp. l. brown cane sugar (amount can be varied according to personal preferences)
Preparation
Pour water into the pan, add spices and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, covering with a lid. Add the tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes. Strain the resulting infusion and cool to room temperature. Use it as tea leaves by adding water or milk.
The easiest masala chai recipe (for 1 cup)
Ingredients:
- Half a cup of milk
- Half a cup of water
- 2 tbsp. l. tea leaves
- 2 tbsp. l. Sahara
- Grated ginger
- If desired, you can add cardamom
Preparation:
Pour water into a saucepan and place on fire and bring to a boil. Add ginger. You need to add it to boiling water, so its taste will be more pronounced. Then add tea leaves and sugar, pour in milk, then reduce the heat. As soon as the color of the drink darkens, turn the heat to maximum and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat again. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times. This way the tea will absorb the taste and aroma of all the ingredients.
Now you can pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy!
Exotic masala with black pepper
Ingredients:
- 1 glass of water
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. l. black leaf tea
- 1 glass of milk
- Sugar to taste
Preparation:
Pour water into the pan, add pepper and bring to a boil. Boil the mixture for 2 minutes. Add loose leaf tea and cook for another 5 minutes, then pour in the milk, add sugar and bring to a boil again. In 4-5 minutes your unusual aromatic drink is ready.
Benefits of spiced tea
Interestingly, masala has virtually no contraindications, except for individual intolerance to any of its components.
Try adding the following ingredients to your masala:
- Bay leaf. Yes, it can be used in more than just soups! In some Indian states it is mandatory to put it in masala. Fresh leaves have a delicate aroma, and in tea they acquire a richer spicy taste.
- Chocolate. This is definitely a Western trend in making masala chai. You can add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or even chocolate syrup.
- Liquorice. This spice has a specific taste, so it should be used with caution, starting with adding it to tea in very small quantities. In any case, it is worth trying licorice root, because it is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and is used in the treatment of colds, diseases of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
- Nuts. Most often, chopped walnuts and pine nuts are added to teas. They should be lightly pressed in water so that the fruits release their healing oil and add a unique taste and aroma to the drink. Lemon goes well with pine nuts, and cinnamon and mint go well with walnuts.
