Seed Oil 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. The blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and fresh ginger simmered together creates a deeply aromatic base that no store-bought mix can replicate. Whole milk is stirred in and brought to a gentle boil, giving the finished cup that signature creamy, caramel-colored richness. Since this recipe is built entirely from whole spices, real ginger, tea, milk, and sugar, there are absolutely no refined or industrial oils hiding anywhere in the ingredient list — which is harder to guarantee with packaged chai concentrates and flavored syrups. The simmering process does all the heavy lifting, coaxing every bit of flavor out of the spices before the tea and milk even enter the picture. Strain it into a mug, adjust the sugar to your liking, and you have something genuinely special that took almost no effort to pull off.

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!