It consists of black tea, various spices, a dash of hot milk and honey or sugar. This is how chai tea is drunk by Indians, for whom it is a national drink. Chai describes the traditional way of preparing tea in India. In the classic recipe, spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and anise are added to the black tea. Originally, the recipe comes from Ayurvedic health teachings, in which these spices have their permanent place.
Chai tea: stimulating, but not exciting.
For centuries, Indians have appreciated the beneficial effects of chai tea on the body and mind. From an Ayurvedic point of view, this is a clear-cut case: in traditional health teachings, every medicinal plant has an effect on both the body and the soul of a person. No question: the caffeine contained in chai tea invigorates, but does not excite.
Cardamom has a digestive effect, soothes the stomach and helps with colds. If one believes the Indian health teachings, the spice is to provide besides for new energy and increase the joy of life. Ginger is considered a panacea in Ayurvedic medicine. It has an antispasmodic effect, stimulates the appetite, aids digestion and also strengthens the immune system.
For every occasion: chai tea
No wonder Indians drink their chai tea at every opportunity. The tea is available almost everywhere – on trains, at bus stations and, of course, in markets. It is served with sweet treats or salted nuts. Traditionally, chai is served in a bowl with a saucer – and not without reason: everyone in a hurry usually pours some tea into the saucer to cool it down so they can drink it faster.
It is obvious that chai has become a trendy drink in our country: the soothing effect of tea and spices makes every cup of chai tea a little wellness trip in everyday life.
Chai recipe to prepare
Ingredients for 8 cups of chai tea:
- 6 cups water
- 4 cups fresh milk
- 6 whole green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tsp anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp fresh, finely chopped ginger root
- 6 tablespoons sugar (possibly less as desired)
- 4 tablespoons Assam tea
Preparation: Bring all ingredients except the tea to a boil in a saucepan, stir and then simmer over low heat in an open pot for a minute. Pour in the tea and bring everything to a boil again. Then immediately turn down to lowest heat and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Then pour the spiced tea through a sieve directly into cups or a pot.
