INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

    When we talk about Chai or in Indian terms - a Tea. It's just brewed tea decoction mixed along with Milk and sweetened with Sugar(?).  But in elaborate terms it can be named as Masal Chai.  Masal Chai is nothing but spicing up a simple Chai or Chaya(that's what we call Tea) with a few spices from the pantry.  Cardamom is the showstopper, and sometimes we do add spices like Dry Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove or a spice mix of all the above & a few other Indian Spices like Fennel, Peppercorns, Nutmeg etc.,  Even we make it a bit intricate and aromatic by adding Dry Rose buds/petals or Mint Leaves.    Well, a cup of aromatic spiced Chai is sure to tantalize your senses, if you are a Tea Person.

    Fresh Spice powders gives out an aroma worth the time.  But every time you pound fresh spices and then add them while brewing a tea is mostly a bit of time taking.  So as normal as any Indian kitchen, we all do have a blend of spices for Masal Chai, readily available when you are in a mood for an aromatic Masal Chai.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

    Homemade Chai Masala or Tea Masala is an aromatic blend of whole spices which makes Indian tea flavourful. Add this to your Masala Chai to make the perfect fragrant tea.  I usually make a small batch at a time and store it in an airtight container.  It is a quick fix and quick mix recipe, and what goes inside a Chai Masal Powder depends on personal preferences. More or less of an ingredient of your choice.  

    This Chai Masala Powder recipe has most of the spices normally used for preparing a perfect Indian style Kadak Masal Chai (Strong Spicy Tea).  So what makes an Indian Chai Masala Powder?

Fresh and new spices, and then store the ground Chai Masala Powder in an airtight container.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

• Cloves : Cloves have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory  properties. It adds a slight spicy note with a deep earthy flavour to the Tea.
• Green Cardamom : Cardamom has antioxidants and cancer fighting compounds. It adds a mild sweetness with a wonderful aroma to the Tea.  Cardamom, as it is, does a wholesome justice for a Masal Chai.
  
• Black Peppercorns : Black peppers have anti-inflammatory properties. I usually do not add Peppercorns to Chai Masala, but if you prefer a spicy kick in your Tea, then peppercorns are a must add.
  
• Cinnamon : Cinnamon is an amazing spice with powerful medicinal properties. It gives a mild not of sweetness and a wonderful aroma to the Tea Mix.
  
• Dried Ginger Powder : Fresh Ginger is widely preferred while making a Masal chai.  But for a Spice Mix, dry ginger powder works best.  Ginger helps reduce inflammation and improves digestion and immunity.
• Rose Petals : It is an optional ingredient, but if you love a subtle aroma of rose in your tea, then add a few dried petals. Rose petals make the Tea fragrant, and it's certain to sooth your senses.
  

    Can add a few other spices like Fennel, Nutmeg etc., along with the above spices or just make it with the spices of your choice. Can make this Indian Masal Chai a bit more intricate by finishing it off, by serving it with a few mint leaves.  All the ingredients which goes into this spice powder mix are sure to appease your senses, tantalize your buds and also aids you with therapeutic properties.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

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 HOW TO MAKE INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER/ SPICE POWDER FOR INDIAN MASAL TEA

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

INGREDIENTS:

Indian Chai Masala Powder:

Cinnamon(1") - 6 Sticks
Black Peppercorns - 1 Teaspoon (Optional)
Green Cardamom - 1 Tablespoon
Cloves - 1 Tablespoon
Dry Ginger(1" Piece) - 2 Nos.
Dried Rose Petals - 1 Tablespoon (Optional) 

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

NOTES:

• The traditional recipe calls for Cardamom & Ginger or dry ginger as main ingredients.
• Add the rest of the ingredients to suit your preference.
• Apart from the spices mentioned above, can add spices like Fennel Seeds, Nutmeg etc., 
  
• Can grind it into a fine/coarse powder. You can even sift the ground powder & store it, if you prefer.
• I usually make this Indian Chai Masla Powder in small batches.  This way it retains most of its flavours and aroma.
• Add any preferred sweetener. Can serve this Masal Chai without any sweeteners too.
• Tastes and serves best with its curative properties when served HOT.