Hazelnut Free Masala Chai

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.6

(15)

Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this homemade masala chai is the kind of drink that turns an ordinary afternoon into something worth pausing for. Whole cardamom pods, cinnamon, cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger simmer together until the water is fragrant and richly tinted — a process that fills your kitchen with an incredible scent before the tea even hits the pot. The black tea steeps right into that spiced base, building a deep amber brew that gets rounded out with whole milk and just enough sugar to balance the heat and bitterness. Because every ingredient here is a straightforward spice, tea, or dairy staple, there's no need to scrutinize labels for hidden nut-based additives or flavorings that can sneak into packaged chai blends. The result is a smooth, caramel-colored cup that's bold without being harsh, and warming without being heavy. Strain it into your favorite mug and adjust the sweetness to your liking — this one is entirely yours to customize.

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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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