Masala Chai

Photo by Vinita Punjabi

For the Masala

Ingredients

  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 1½” stick cinnamon
  • 6-8 black peppercorns (kali mirch)
  • 4-5 cloves
  • ½ star anise

Method

Grind all ingredients together to a coarse powder.

For the Tea

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups water
  • ¾ cup soy milk
  • 6-8 tbsp date paste
  • 1” pc unpeeled ginger, crushed
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (pudina)
  • 1-2 blades lemongrass

Method

Mix water, soy milk and chai masala in a pan and boil for 3-4 minutes. Add date paste and ginger and boil for a minute. Add mint leaves and lemongrass, cover and boil for 5 minutes. Strain, pour into cups and serve.

Serves 2