Homemade Chai Masala Powder

Homemade Chai Masala Powder - This homemade chai masala powder is warm, aromatic, comforting, and incredibly easy to make at home using whole roasted spices. Made with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, fennel, ginger, and nutmeg, this authentic Indian chai spice blend transforms everyday tea into rich, flavourful masala chai in minutes. It is super convenient to have on hand and it is loved by everyone! It keeps well in an airtight container for up to a month and is made with just a few roasted and ground spices.

This is then combined with Boiling Water, Milk, Chai/Tea and Sugar to create an aromatic, rejuvenating and delicious cup of chai. Masala Chai is a recipe that is popular in the home and in cafes/restaurants all over the world and as well as on the streets of India. If you are a lover of all things Chai, why not try these Chai Spice Cookies or this Chai Carrot Cake.

What is Chai Masala Powder

Chai masala powder is a blend of warming Indian spices used to flavour masala chai. No Indian home feels complete without a homemade chai masala powder. It is an essential kitchen staple and the recipe varies between homes.

This recipe itself is a blend of roasted spices which are added to tea to make it aromatic and flavourful. 

Masala chai is made by simmering black tea with milk, sugar, and chai spices to create a rich, aromatic, and comforting drink that is loved throughout India and around the world.

Every Indian household has their own chai masala recipe and the spice ratios often vary between regions and families.

You can grind the powder finely or more course. I prefer a more course masala because I feel like finer powders don't always get sieved out so a little residue is then left a the bottom of the cup which doesn't taste great. I grind the spices using a coffee grinder.

I also prefer to roast the spices to bring out their aroma and flavour and it also increases their shelf life.

The spices used in the masala are usually pretty much the same but the ratios do vary. 

Some spices you can expect to see in most of the masala blends are Ginger, Cardamom, Fennel, Black Pepper, Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and sometimes Saffron, mint, holy basil (tulsi) and even rose petals are added.

Once made, it can be stored in an airtight container for daily use in Chai, Cakes, Biscuits to any recipe you like!

Indians have a special relationship with Chai and it is often thought of as a headache/stress reliever/a bringer of joy. SO much pressure on one cup of chai!

Why This Recipe Works

• Made with whole roasted spices for maximum flavour
• Better than shop bought chai masala powder
• Keeps well for up to 1 month
• Easy to customise to your taste
• Creates authentic Indian masala chai at home
• Works beautifully in cakes, cookies, and desserts too

Homemade Chai Masala Powder Ingredients

Here are the ingredients  you will need to make chai masala - 

Cardamom

Green Cardamom or Elaichi in Gujerati, adds aroma, flavour andfighting compounds. It adds fragrance, a warmth and a sweetness to chai.

Cloves

Cloves or Lawung in Gujerati adds an earthy, aromatic and slightly bitter note to chai.

Black Peppercorns

or Kali Mirch in Gujerati, adds woody, spicy flavour.

Cinnamon

or Tuj in Gujerati, adds sweetness and warmth to the chai.

Fennel seeds

or Saunf in Gujerati adds warmth, sweetness and a slight aniseed flavour.

Dried Ginger Powder

or Sonth or Adoo in Gujerati, adds a sweetness and warmth to chai as well as a strong kick!

Nutmeg 

or Jaiphal in Gujerati adds sweetness, comforting, earthiness and warmth to chai. 

How to make Chai Masala Powder

Dry roast the Cardamom, Cloves, Pepper and Cinnamon in a pot till fragrant. 

Empty into a spice grinder and add Fennel. Blend to form a course powder.

Empty into a bowl. 

Add ginger powder and grated nutmeg and mix through until fully incorporated.

Store the chai masala in an airtight container for up to a month.

How to use Masala Chai Powder

Pour 2 cups water to a pot. 

Add tea leaves or tea bags. For tea leaves, use 1 teaspoon per person. If using teabags, I use 1 per person and then add an extra one. So for 2 people I use 3 tea bags. 

Bring to a boil & add 1 - 1 ½ teaspoon masala chai powder. 

Add sugar - 1 - 2 teaspoon per person.

If you want to add fresh grated/chopped ginger - do this now.

Let the tea come back to a boil.

Pour in ½ - ¾ cup milk. 

Bring the tea to a rolling boil again and simmer on medium low. Simmer for 5 minutes before decanting into cups. 

Pulling Chai

Pulling chai is a technique where hot tea is poured back and forth between two cups or jugs from a height.

This:

• Aerates the tea
• Creates froth
• Slightly cools the tea
• Gives chai a smoother texture

For best results, pour the chai between the cups 4-5 times from around 1-1.5 feet high. The height (1.5 feet) that the the tea is poured from allows air to mix with the tea making it frothier and allowing it to cool down too.  

Best Tea Leaves or Tea Bags to use

The most commonly used tea leaves in masala chai are:

Assam Tea - Strong, bold and rich colour and flavour.

Darjeeling Tea - A sweet, more floral, delicate and musky flavour. 

Nilgiri Tea - A smooth and mellow tea.

Caylon Black Tea - A mild, smooth and sweet tea.

You can also buy Teabags and brands such as Wagh Bakri or any other Black Tea Bags.

Tips for Masala Chai/Powder

Ginger

If you are adding fresh ginger to the chai, add it with the sugar and then let it boil before adding the milk otherwise it can split the milk.

Tea Leaves

The brand and tea leaves you use will affect the overall flavour of the chai so try with 1 cup first to understand the perfect amount of tea required per cup for you.

Roast Spices 

Roasting deepens flavour and improves shelf life.

Milk to Water ratio

Every person has a preference about whether they like their chai milky or more watered down. My husband for example like really milky tea (80% milk)  and I prefer it less milky (40% milk). Adjust according to your preference.

Best Milk to use

You can use any milk that you like. Full fat, Semi Skimmed or Skimmed. If you are using skimmed, I would suggest not adding too much water. Plant Based milks also work.

Saffron

You can add some Saffron the chai powder. Break between your fingers and roast, then add it to the spice mix with the ginger powder.

Other Spices

 You can add other Spices and Herbs such as Holy Basil, Mint, Star Anise.

Faqs

How do I use Masala Chai Powder?

Simply add 1  - 1  ½ teaspoon of masala chai powder to the chai after bringing it to a boil.

How much Chai Masala Powder should I use?

This depends on personal taste, add 1 teaspoon and then adjust as per your preference for future cups of chai.

Is Masala Chai Spicy?

Some blends have a slight kick to them but it is more aromatic and warming rather then spicy.

What is Masala Chai made of?

Masala chai is made with black tea, sugar, milk and spices. These are simmered together to create a delicious, calming cup of chai. 

Masala Chai vs Karak Chai

Kadak or Karak Chai is made with fewer spices (usually just cardamom and ginger, sometimes saffron too) and usually evaporated milk too. The spices are usually fresh.

How long does masala chai powder last?

Masala chai powder keeps well in an airtight container for 1 month. 

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Chai Spice Apple Traybake

Best Chai Tea

Easy Indian Chicken Pakoras

Indian Chicken Kebabs

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