There is no drink more nourishing to the soul and warming to heart after a cold Autumn day, than this classic Chai recipe. It is based on an old recipe for 'traditional Indian railway tea' and has its origin traced back to the Darjeeling Himalayan railways. This luxuriously sweet and subtly spicy drink is just one of countless versions of what we affectionately know as simply 'Chai'. Once brewed on kettle stoves in the train stations of India, and with versions inspired from Mumbai to Kashmir, this one is a simple recipe that we promise you'll keep coming back to time and again. It is the ultimate comfort brew.
Makes: 4 cups
Takes: 15 minutes
Ingredients
5 x Cardomom pods, split open
4 x Whole Cloves
1 x cinnamon stick
25g loose leaf black tea or 4x English breakfast teabags
4 tbsp caster sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 cups of milk (whole) or dairy-free alternative
2 cups of water
Method
1. Place water in a large pan, and add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cracked cardamom pods. Bring to the boil for around 3 minutes.
2. Add the tea and turn off the heat. Steep for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the milk to the pan and reheat, but do not boil.
4. Strain the Chai, and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Keep hot and serve. Enjoy.
