How to use Masala Chai Powder

Pour 2 cups water into a pot.  Add tea leaves or tea bags. For tea leaves, use 1 tsp 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 1/2 tsp masala chai powder.  Add sugar - 1 - 2 tsp per person. If you want to add fresh grated/chopped ginger - do this now. Let the tea come back to a boil. Pour in 1/2 - 3/4 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

If you want to make Pulling Chai, you will need 2 cups or jugs with a handle so you can pour it back and forth briskly from one to the other 4 - 5 times.   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 colour and flavour. Darjeeling Tea - A sweet, 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 

I do this to bring out the flapper but it also increases shelf life from 2 weeks to a month.

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 accordion 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 1/2 tsp 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 tsp 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. 

Can I drink Masala Chai every day?

Absolutely yes! 

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.