Fragrant, spicy, sweet chai is one of my favorite teas. I’ve been hearing about my brother-in-law’s homemade chai for a couple of years now and it just hasn’t worked out for me to sample it at their house.
If you recall, this is the same sister and her husband who introduced me to Spanish Cafe con Leche last year. When they tell me that something is delicious, I tend to believe them.
I finally remembered to get the recipe from them and had a chance to make it myself. I had high hopes for this recipe and it did not disappoint.
Served with a plate of Almond Bars, this is an afternoon snack that no one turns down.
Pour any remaining chai mixture into two small jars to store in the refrigerator and reheat over the next few days.
The recipe doubles perfectly and would be a great way to make and keep several days worth of morning chai ready to drink with just a few minutes of warming on the stove or in the microwave.
Homemade Chai Tea
Ingredients
- 3 cardamom pods lightly cracked open with the back of a spoon
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 " slice of fresh ginger
- 5 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar or honey adjust according to taste (I prefer the brown sugar.)
Instructions
- Place the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, ginger, peppercorns and bay leaf in a medium size saucepan. Add the water and bring to a boil. Allow this to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes.
- Add the tea leaves and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on medium for 5 minutes. Add the half and half and the sugar. Stir for about a minute, over low heat, until steaming. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or mugs. Enjoy!
nilanjana majumdar says
Whoops! You’re right, this is crazy good. I think you’ll have some extra tea for one. 😉
Sue/the view from great island says
Oooooh, delish! You know I love these spices, and it looks so creamy!
Mom on the Run says
This looks absolutely delish. Thanks for posting!
Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D says
Sounds delicious. I really never would have guessed those flavor profiles were in Chai tea – but I'm really glad to have the recipe. (Pinned)
Mother Rimmy says
I can imagine the lovely fragrance this tea would bring to my kitchen. I've always wondered how to make it, now I know. Thank you!
Rachel Ring says
Love Love Love – I need to make some Chai this weekend (wish I had some for this ridiculous coldness we have right now)
LanaJaie says
Did you know that 'Chai' actually means 'Tea' in Arabic/Hindu/Bangladeshi/Urdu/Farsi etc etc 🙂 And it can be used for any type of tea, not just spicy Tea. The West has kind of given 'Chai' a new identity where it refers to only spicy tea but it can actually be any kind of Tea.
Great recipe! Thanks 🙂
Anonymous says
This is true. Even in parts of Europe, Chai, refers to tea. My daughter and son-in-law were in the Ukraine last summer and they say that the people in Ukraine call tea "Chai". I've meant to ask them what is actually in a Ukrainian "Chai" tea…if it is just a black tea with honey, or how it is made.
Mukesh Popat @ Palanquin Tea says
This is a cool, refreshing chai tea that is easy to make at home. It has a more delicate blend of flavour since you mixed various spices. There's a combination of black tea leaf, ginger, black peppercorn, and cardamom. This is surely flavourful! It's important to drink teas like this when you are stressed. It will make you feel calm and will improve your digestion too!
Occupy Appalachia says
Love Chai. I've had it just with milk and no tea and it was good too. However, this sounds so much better I can't wait to try it. Perhaps on Christmas morning with some muffins, matbe an egg or french toast casserole. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe. Have a good holiday season.
Strawberryquicksand says
Whaaaat is half and half? lol. I just reposted this onto my I Love Food FB page but then realised that I have no idea wht half and half is. Is it a milky kind of thing?
Cheers!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-love-food/470073936441058
Anonymous says
Half milk, half cream blended. YUMMY.
Thomas says
Have a similar recipe that we've been using for years. Tried your version and its really good.
Marion says
Made it, love it. Thanks!
Babita says
Please, it’s NOT chai “tea” – that’s redundant. It’s just chai.
Mary Younkin says
You are correct, however many people search for chai tea as well and they’ve found this helpful.