Masala Chai

By Hklbrries

Ingredients

• 5 cups water
• 2 slices fresh ginger
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2-3 heaping teaspoons Assam tea (available at Asian markets or substitute any black tea)
• 1-2 cups milk

Preparation

Step 1

Crush the cardamom and cloves with a heavy cup or side of a knife just long enough to release their fragrance. Place cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and 5 cups of water in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for 5 to 10 minutes or until tea is dark in color. Add 1-2 cups of milk or until mixture is a caramel color. Add more milk for weaker tea. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and strain mixture to remove spices. Can be stored in a thermos or made ahead and re-heated. Add sugar before serving if desired.