Macadamia Free Masala Chai

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.6

(15)

Masala chai made from scratch is one of those drinks that instantly makes everything feel slower and warmer in the best possible way. Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper are simmered low and slow until the water turns fragrant and deeply aromatic — a step that no store-bought powder or concentrate can truly replicate. Fresh ginger adds a gentle heat that builds beautifully once the milk goes in, and the result is a rich, caramel-colored cup that's spiced, creamy, and just sweet enough. The technique of bringing the milk and tea together and letting them simmer until unified is what gives this chai its signature depth and body. Every ingredient here is straightforward and naturally free from tree nuts of any kind, so there's no label-scanning or substitution required — just whole spices, good tea, and milk. Strain it into your favorite mug and you've got something that feels genuinely special on a cold morning or a slow afternoon.

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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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