Chai Masala (Spice blend for tea)

Garam Garam Chai!

I am one of those people for whom the day doesn’t really start without a ‘cuppa’, which in my case is predominantly Tea. Oh! The lovely beverage…how it lifts your spirits on a dreary, cloudy day! How it gives you energy and warmth on a rather tiring day…How it awakens the mind and the body on the first sip in the early morning chill..(I know!)

My family is addicted to tea. We have to have that morning cuppa to start the day. I personally feel something’s amiss when I don’t get my morning and evening cuppas. 

My sister introduced me to the tea and spice partnership, which I was totally unaware of.  She started off with the simple cardamom – it’s amazing how it brings up the flavor.  A little crushed ginger also does wonders to the beverage.  Needless to say I’m even more addicted.

 

So, when I stumbled upon this recipe from Tarla Dalal, I had to try it out. Just roast the spices and powder it and you’re sorted for a while. As per the recipe, this powder keeps for a year if refrigerated.

 When you prepare it, the aroma of the spices gives you such a heady feeling; it’s wonderful! The recipe suggests using a quarter teaspoon for a single cup of tea, but you could adjust that according to your preference.

Chai Masala (Spice blend for tea)

What you need

1.       1/4 cup cinnamon sticks, cut into small pieces

2.       2 tbsp cloves

3.       1/4 cup black peppercorns

4.       1/4 cup green cardamom

5.       6 black cardamoms (moti elaichi) – I didn’t  have any, so I’ve skipped this one

6.       1/4 cup mace (javatri), broken into pieces

7.       1/2 nutmeg, grated

8.       1/4 cup dried ginger powder (this is available readymade in stores)

Here’s how

·         Roast Ingredients 1-5 for 7 -8 minutes. Cool completely.

·         Add Ingredients 6-8 and grind to make a fine powder

·         Cool completely and store in an air-tight container

If you like spices in your tea, you’ll love this masala. It’s perfect for the morning cuppa. I sent some to my sister, who loved it as well. Can’t wait for my next cup of tea! ;))