Rooibos Masala Chai

Recipe 30 minPreparation Time 30 minCooking Time
Rooibos Masala Chai

Rooibos Masala Chai

30 minPreparation Time 30 min Cooking Time

About this Recipe

This easy masala chai will quickly replace your favorite boxed chai concentrate. Warm, spicy-sweet, and soothing — what else could you want from a mug of chai? This one is made with decaf rooibos, so you can even enjoy it before bed.

The Benefits

Ginger aids in digestion, helping settle an upset stomach. Research has shown the main compound in ginger, gingerol, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Rooibos is also antioxidant-rich, making this tea recipe a warm cupful of good health.

Equipment: Cheesecloth


Note: You can store the chai concentrate (without the milk) in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks. Just add milk at a 1:1 ratio when reheating. If you have a milk frother, now’s a great time to break it out!

Ingredients

Makes 1 quart (1 L) of concentrate
  • 1 quart (1 L) water
  • 1-inch piece (2.5 cm) of fresh ginger root, sliced (25 g)
  • 4- or 5-inch (10 or 12 cm) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
  • 1/2 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 tsp whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 whole star anise pods
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 whole black cardamom pod, lightly crushed (optional; it adds a nice smoky flavor)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) rooibos loose-leaf tea (or 8 tea bags)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1 quart milk (1 L), any type, for serving

Directions

  1. Step 1
    In a medium saucepan, bring the water and spices to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the chai spices for 20 minutes over medium-low heat, then add the rooibos. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 more minutes, then strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Press or squeeze as much of the liquid out of the tea and spices as you can. Stir the honey into the tea concentrate. If you aren’t serving it immediately, pour it into a jar with a lid and stash it in the refrigerator once it’s cooled to room temperature.
  2. Step 2
    To serve, fill mugs halfway with warm chai and top off with warm milk.

Level Up: Try the recipe with lapsang souchang tea instead of rooibos for a smoky (but caffeinated) version or add a broken dried chile to make a spicier version

Try It With: Samosa, vada pav, or your favorite cookie for Indian-style afternoon tea     

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