Almond Free Masala Chai

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.6

(15)

Few drinks are as deeply warming and aromatic as a proper pot of masala chai brewed from scratch. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper simmer together until the water turns fragrant and richly tinted, building a flavor base that no store-bought mix can replicate. Fresh ginger adds a gentle heat that blooms beautifully once the milk goes in, and the result is a creamy, caramel-colored cup that tastes like it took serious skill — even though the process is wonderfully straightforward. Every ingredient here is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking into your mug. The key move is watching the milk closely as it comes to a boil, then letting everything simmer together just long enough for the spices and tea to fully meld. Strain it into your favorite mug, adjust the sugar to your liking, and you've got a chai that's bold, balanced, and completely your own.

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Ingredients

4 servings

8 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
4 whole cloves
6 black peppercorns
1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 star anise (optional)
2 cups water
3 tsp loose-leaf black tea or 3 black tea bags (such as assam or darjeeling)
2 cups whole milk
2–3 tbsp sugar, or to taste

Instructions

1
Combine the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and star anise (if using) in a medium saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the water is fragrant and lightly tinted.
2
Add the black tea and simmer for 2 minutes, until the liquid is a deep amber-brown.

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