– 2 cups water – 2 cups milk (you can use dairy milk or plant-based alternatives like almond milk or soy milk) – 2-3 teaspoons black tea leaves (or 2-3 tea bags) – 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to your taste) – 4-5 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed – 4-5 whole cloves – 1 cinnamon stick – 1 small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated – Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or a few strands of saffron for added flavor
In a saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil.ing it to a boil.
Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the crushed cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and grated ginger. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the water.
Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the saucepan. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the milk to the saucepan and stir well. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil over.
Add sugar according to your taste and stir until it dissolves completely.
If you want to add nutmeg or saffron, this is the time to do it. Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a few strands of saffron to the saucepan and stir.
Allow the chai tea to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the chai tea into cups or a teapot using a fine-mesh strainer.
Serve the chai tea hot and enjoy!