Sure, store-bought chai is quick and easy to make, but have you ever craved an authentic-tasting chai with just the right amount of warming spice? Making your own chai blend is a gratifying labor of love, and once you try it, you won’t want to buy a store blend again. Feel free to adjust the spice ratios depending on your preferred flavor profile.
Yield: 2-3 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 star anise
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 cup of milk per serving
Directions
1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Mix all of the spices in a small bowl. A mortar and pestle can be used to grind the ingredients into a semi-fine powder, but it definitely isn’t required.
3. Add the spice mix to warm milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let the mixture boil, or the milk may curdle.
5. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the milk into a large bowl. There will be a little bit of grain at the bottom of the glass but the mixture can be double strained to reduce it.
6. Ladle the strained mixture into a mug and enjoy.
By Ally Cefalu, Staff Writer