Mushroom Free Masala Chai

Total time20 min

Prep time5 min

Cook time15 min

4.6

(15)

Warm, spiced, and deeply aromatic, this homemade chai is the kind of drink that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your morning. Whole spices — cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger — are simmered together until the water turns fragrant and richly tinted, building a flavor base that no powder or syrup can replicate. 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 just to a gentle boil is the only moment that demands your attention, and it's honestly a satisfying little ritual. Since every ingredient here is a straightforward spice, tea, or dairy staple, there's zero concern about hidden fungi or fungal-derived additives sneaking into your mug — something that can be surprisingly tricky with pre-blended spice mixes and commercial chai concentrates. Strain it into your favorite mug, adjust the sugar to your liking, and settle in.

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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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