Celery Free Masala Chai

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.6

(15)

Warming, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this homemade masala chai is the kind of drink that turns an ordinary afternoon into something worth savoring. Whole cardamom pods, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger simmer together until the water is fragrant and richly tinted — a process that coaxes out layers of flavor you simply can't get from a powder or a premade mix. The black tea goes in next, deepening the color to a gorgeous amber before the milk and sugar are stirred in to mellow everything into that signature caramel-hued cup. Watching it come to a gentle boil is genuinely satisfying, and the kitchen will smell incredible by the time you reach for the strainer. Every ingredient here is naturally free of celery and celery derivatives, so there's no label-scanning or substitution required — just a straightforward, from-scratch brew. It's endlessly adjustable too: dial up the ginger for more heat, add star anise for a subtle licorice note, or tweak the sugar until it's exactly right for your taste.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

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.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!