How to Make Ginger or Cardamom Chai

Chai is the Hindi word for tea. Indian tea, or chai, is a delicious, caffeinated, hot beverage made of black tea leaves that can be enjoyed anytime of day: in the morning with breakfast to kick start the day, in the afternoon for a pick me up or in the evening. Ginger is an excellent immunity booster and cardamom is a great digestive aid.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tsp. loose leaf black tea from Darjeeling, Ceylon or Assam
• 1/2 c. whole milk
• 2 c. water
• 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger root
• 4 to 6 cardamom pods
• 2 tbsp. sugar or sugar substitute

Instructions

1. Add water and tea to saucepan at medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Add grated ginger root to the saucepan to make ginger chai; for cardamom chai
   add opened and lightly crushed cardamom pods.

3. Reduce heat to medium, add milk and sweetener and bring to a boil.

4. Continue to boil tea mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat as mixture starts to rise. Continue boiling for five more minutes.

5. Turn off gas, place tea strainer on cup and pour hot tea into individual cups.

Tips & Warnings

• Ginger and cardamom can be combined to get the best of both flavors.

References

• Chai: Raise a cup of tea to your health
• Chai-Tea: Healthy Coffee Substitute