Chai

🍵 Authentic Masala Chai (Serves 1)

🧂 Ingredients

• 5 whole green cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 5 peppercorns
• 3 slices fresh ginger (muddle slightly)
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea (Assam or Darjeeling work beautifully)
• ½–¾ cup milk (whole or plant-based)
• 2–3 tsp maple syrup or sugar (adjust to taste)

🔥 Instructions

1. Crush spices: Lightly crush cardamom, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns. Add to a small pot with water, ginger, and cinnamon.
2. Simmer spices: Cover and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to extract flavor.
3. Steep tea: Turn off heat, add tea leaves, and steep for 5 minutes. Avoid boiling the tea—it can turn bitter.
4. Add milk: Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer again. Turn off heat.
5. Sweeten & strain: Stir in sweetener, taste, and adjust. Strain into your favorite mug.
6. Sip & savor: Wrap your hands around the cup and enjoy the cozy complexity.