You need these tips to make authentic Indian Chai at home

A warm cup of Chai with bold spices is the perfect way to spice up your morning. It is the beverage of choice in most of India and has now been popularized all over the world. A Chai latte, although delicious, is not the same as Chai. You'd be surprised at how simple it is to make a good cup of Chai at home. There are a few simple steps that can ensure you get a delicious result every time you make it.

Chai is made with black tea from India. The specific type of tea is called CTC and it refers to the more mature leaves and stems of the tea plant that are bolder in flavor. This boldness is what allows the flavor of the tea to stand out amidst the spices and the milk.

This type of tea leaf takes some coaxing to release its full flavor. Just steeping it in water is not enough. We'll cover the exact method later in the article. You can find these tea leaves in your neighborhood Asian grocery store or online.

Milk is an important component of Chai and it helps balance out the bitterness of the tea leaves. The best option is to use good quality whole milk. 2% works too but I wouldn't recommend using zero fat for Chai because the fat in the milk adds creaminess to this popular beverage. It's like making hot chocolate with water versus milk. There is a subtle difference in the consistency of the drink that makes all the difference. If you need to use non-dairy milk, almond milk works best with the rest of the flavors.

The real magic in Chai comes from the spices that are added while making it. The most effective way to infuse maximum flavor into your tea is by adding whole spices.Whole spices hold more flavor than spice powders since the flavor compounds are not as exposed to the air as they are in powdered spices. Lightly crush the spices in a mortar and pestle before adding them into the saucepan with water, milk and tea leaves to release their fragrant aroma.

If you try Chai in India, it's usually sweetened. That's because the sugar in Chai is like salt in food. It brings out the flavors of the tea and the spices. Any other form of sweetener works here too. The key is to ensure that your drink is sweetened to your taste and preference. You could sweeten the Chai at the end or better still, add it to your saucepan while it's bubbling. That allows the sugar or sweetener to melt evenly and creates a well-rounded finish to your drink.

This is the most important tip when it comes to making Chai at home. Unlike other teas, Chai needs to be boiled with water, milk and spices for at least five minutes. This allows the infusion of the flavors from the tea and the spices into the milk and water to create the balance of flavors. If you don't allow it to bubble away, the chai might be bland and watery.

Chai is not just a drink, it's a way of life. It contains the taste of thousands of years of culinary history and brings people from different walks of life together over their love for this drink. Chai is a incredibly flavorful way to consume your caffeine and the best flavor is created by following the traditional methods.