Gut Friendly Masala Chai
Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this homemade chai is the kind of drink that feels like a reset button for your whole system. The real magic here is in the spice lineup — cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper are all celebrated for their gut-supportive properties, making every sip genuinely functional as well as delicious. Fresh ginger in particular brings a gentle digestive warmth that you just can't replicate with powder, and simmering it low and slow coaxes out every bit of its goodness. The method of building the brew in stages — spices first, then tea, then milk — means the flavors layer beautifully and nothing gets bitter or harsh. Whole milk adds a creamy richness that rounds out the bold spices without overwhelming them, and the final strain leaves you with a silky-smooth cup that's as satisfying as anything you'd order at a café. It's endlessly adjustable too, so you can dial the sweetness up or down depending on what feels right for you that day.
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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.
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