Masala tea, also known as chai, is a popular beverage in India and other parts of South Asia. It is made by brewing tea leaves with a mixture of spices, such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Milk and sugar are often added to the tea to create a creamy, sweet flavor. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and is often served as a morning or evening drink.
Benefits of Masala Tea.
Masala tea, also known as chai, is believed to have various health benefits due to the combination of tea leaves and spices used to make it. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Antioxidant properties: The tea leaves in masala tea are a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The spices used in masala tea, such as ginger and cinnamon, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Digestive aid: The spices in masala tea, such as ginger and cardamom, can help to stimulate digestion and soothe stomach issues such as bloating and gas.
- Boosting Immune system: The ginger and turmeric in masala tea can help in boosting the immune system.
- Relaxation: The warm and comforting nature of masala tea may help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
It’s worth noting that these benefits are generally associated with moderate consumption of masala tea. Some of the ingredients such as ginger or cinnamon can be harmful in large doses, so it’s important to consult your doctor before consuming it if you have any health condition.
Masala Tea Making Recipe.
Here is a simple recipe for making masala tea, also known as chai:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2-3 black tea bags or 2-3 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea
- 2-3 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2-3 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- 1-2 teaspoons of honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and black peppercorns to the water and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the pot and let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags or strain the tea to remove the spices.
- Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
- Serve the tea hot, and enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the number of spices used to your preference, and you can also add other spices such as nutmeg or fennel to the tea for extra flavor.
Also, you can make it with water and milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
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