🇮🇳 Indian Cuisine · Drinks

Masala Chai

Prep

5 mins

Cook

10 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

Robust black tea simmered with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, sweetened and finished with whole milk.

Ingredients

  • 500g large prawns
  • 2 cups naan bread
  • 1 tbsp crushed green cardamom pods
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 3 tbsp ghee
  • 200g potatoes
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for serving
  • 500ml water
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 200g fresh spinach
  • a generous spoonful of roasted cashews

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the roti and whole milk in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the ground cumin and tamarind paste, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 10 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with plain yogurt, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with curry leaves just before serving.

Tips

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more plain yogurt, but you cannot take it away.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.