Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea

Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea Recipe - Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea is a warm, spiced beverage that embodies the essence of comfort and tradition. This recipe is a delightful blend of aromatic spices and rich flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or as a refreshing start to your day. With its roots in ancient traditions, this chai tea recipe offers a homemade touch to a beloved drink, inviting you to experience the joy of crafting a delicious, heartwarming beverage from scratch.

History

The tradition of chai dates back thousands of years to ancient India, where it began as an Ayurvedic herbal concoction. Over the centuries, it evolved into the spiced tea we know today, with various cultures adding their own twist to the recipe. Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea pays homage to this rich history, combining traditional spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves with a personal touch, making it a unique version of the classic drink.

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 large cinnamon stick or 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp fennel seeds
2–3 whole cloves
0.13 tsp powdered ginger (optional)
0.13 tsp amchoor (mango powder) (optional)
4 regular tea bags
2–3 cups whole milk
sugar to taste

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the water and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the tea bags. Let the tea bags steep until the desired strength is achieved. Next, add the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer again. Finally, add sugar to taste, or serve the tea unsweetened and allow each person to sweeten it according to their preference.

Variations

Consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or a vanilla bean pod during the simmering process for a subtly sweet, aromatic flavor. For a caffeine-free version, rooibos tea bags can replace regular tea bags, offering a similar richness without the stimulant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use whole spices and grind them yourself just before brewing the tea. This releases their essential oils and maximizes the aroma and taste. Additionally, simmering the spices for a few minutes before adding the tea bags allows their flavors to infuse the water more deeply. For a creamier chai, consider using a higher fat content milk or even a splash of cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth and flavor. It pairs beautifully with traditional sweets like biscuits or cake, making it a perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea or a dessert course.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea is the slow simmering of spices, which allows their flavors to fully develop and meld together. Gentle simmering of the milk prevents it from scalding, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture in the final beverage.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version, replace the whole milk with almond, coconut, or soy milk. If you're out of ground cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can provide a similar warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The spiced tea mixture, without milk and sugar, can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat, add milk and sugar, and enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea in clear glasses to showcase its beautiful, creamy color. A dusting of ground cinnamon or a few whole spices on the saucer adds an elegant touch that highlights the drink's rich heritage.

Pairing Recommendations

This chai tea pairs wonderfully with spicy or savory snacks, such as samosas or pakoras, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It also complements sweet treats like shortbread cookies or almond biscotti, offering a comforting and indulgent experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover chai tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from separating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea, prepared with whole milk and sugar, contains about 150 calories. Adjusting the milk type or sugar content can decrease or increase the caloric intake.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the milk and sugar. Adjusting the amount of sugar or opting for a sugar substitute can significantly alter the carbohydrate content, making it adaptable to various dietary needs.

Fats

The fat content in a serving of this chai tea largely depends on the type of milk used. Using whole milk, a serving contains about 8 grams of fat. For a lower fat option, you can use skim milk, which reduces the fat content to about 2 grams per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea made with whole milk provides approximately 4 grams of protein. If a dairy alternative is used, the protein content may vary, so it's advisable to check the nutritional information of the milk substitute.

Vitamins and minerals

This chai tea is a good source of calcium and vitamin D if whole milk is used. The spices also contribute small amounts of various minerals such as iron, magnesium, and manganese, which play vital roles in overall health.

Alergens

The primary allergen present in this chai tea recipe is milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy can substitute lactose-free milk or plant-based milk alternatives to enjoy this beverage without concerns.

Summary

Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea is a balanced beverage that can fit into various dietary preferences with minor adjustments. It offers a comforting warmth and richness, with the potential for nutritional benefits depending on the choice of ingredients.

Summary

Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea is more than just a beverage; it's an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that have shaped this beloved drink. With its blend of aromatic spices and the creamy richness of milk, it offers a comforting embrace with every sip. Whether enjoyed as a solitary pleasure or shared among friends, this chai tea recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, homemade delights.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It all began many years ago when I was visiting my dear friends, Ash and Sarah, in their cozy little home in the countryside. Ash and Sarah were a lovely couple, always so full of warmth and hospitality. I remember the smell of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the air as soon as I stepped foot into their kitchen.

As we sat down for a cup of tea, Sarah brought out a beautiful teapot filled with a rich, aromatic brew that she called Chai Tea. The scent alone was enough to transport me to a faraway land, and I couldn't wait to take my first sip. It was a perfect blend of black tea, spices, and sweetness that warmed me from the inside out.

I asked Sarah where she had learned to make such a delicious tea, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a wise old woman in India many years ago. The thought of generations of women sharing this recipe and passing it on filled me with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

After that visit, I couldn't get the taste of Ash and Sarah's Chai Tea out of my mind. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. So I reached out to Sarah, and she graciously agreed to teach me her family's recipe.

The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients. Sarah told me that the key to a good Chai Tea was in the spices, so we made a trip to the local market to stock up on cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, ginger, and black peppercorns. As we walked through the bustling aisles, Sarah shared with me the stories behind each spice and how they came to be used in this traditional Indian drink.

Back at her home, we set to work brewing the tea. Sarah showed me how to crush the cardamom pods and ginger to release their flavors, and how to simmer the spices in a pot of water until they had infused the liquid with their warmth. Then we added in the black tea leaves and let it steep until the whole house was filled with the fragrance of Chai.

As we sat down to enjoy our first cup of homemade Chai Tea, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. The blend of spices and sweetness was perfect, just as I remembered from that first cup at Ash and Sarah's home. I felt a connection to the generations of women who had shared this recipe before me, and I knew that I would pass it on to my grandchildren one day.

Since that day, Chai Tea has become a staple in my kitchen. I make a pot of it every morning, savoring the ritual of brewing the spices and taking that first comforting sip. Whenever I serve it to friends and family, I always tell them the story of how I learned to make this special recipe from Ash and Sarah, and how it has become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

As I sit here now, sipping on a steaming cup of Chai Tea, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple joys that food can bring into our lives. The memories of learning this recipe from my dear friends will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of tradition and connection that can be found in a simple cup of tea. And for that, I am truly thankful.