Masala (Indian spiced tea)

Masala Chai: A Warming Drink from India

Masala tea is a fragrant and warming drink from India. Its name translates as "tea with spices", and this is true. Masala tea is not just a drink, but a whole ceremony that allows you to warm up on cold days and enjoy the rich taste and aroma of spices.

History of Masala Tea

The roots of masala tea go back to ancient times. The exact recipe and history of its origin are unknown, but it is known that this drink was popular among Indian Ayurvedic healers. They used it as a means to strengthen the immune system and improve digestion.

Over time, masala tea spread throughout India and became an integral part of local culture. Today, it can be tasted in every Indian home, cafe, and restaurant.

Composition of masala tea

The main ingredients of masala tea are:

• Black tea: Most often, strong black tea such as Assam is used.
• Spices: It is the spices that give masala tea its unique aroma and taste. The classic set of spices includes:
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Carnation
• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Fennel seeds
• Star anise

Sometimes the composition of spices may vary depending on the region and personal preferences. Some recipes also include nutmeg, saffron and other spices.

Health Benefits of Masala Tea

Masala tea has a number of beneficial properties for the body:

• Strengthens the immune system: Thanks to the content of ginger and other spices, masala tea helps fight colds and flu.
• Improves digestion: The spices in masala tea stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Warms and tones: Masala tea is ideal for the cold season, as it warms the body and gives energy.
• Relieves stress: The aromatic drink helps to relax and relieve tension.

How to make masala tea

Making masala tea at home is very simple. To do this, you need:

1. Boil water.
2. Add spices: Place whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, etc.) in water and let steep for a few minutes.
3. Add tea: Add black tea and bring to a boil.
4. Add milk: Pour in the milk and bring to a boil again.
5. Strain: Strain the finished tea through a sieve.
6. Serve: Serve hot, adding sugar or honey if desired.

You can make it with different types of milk (coconut, almond), add your own spices and sweeteners. Experiment and find your perfect recipe!

The taste of masala tea is a complex and multifaceted combination that is difficult to describe in one word. It is simultaneously warming and refreshing, sweet and spicy, with notes of sweetness and slight spiciness.

Main flavor notes:

• Sweet and spicy: With milk and spices like cardamom and cinnamon, masala chai has a soft sweetness and rich, spicy flavor.
• Spicy: Black pepper and ginger give the tea a slight spiciness that is warming and invigorating.
• Creamy: Milk makes the tea taste softer and more enveloping.
• Earthy: Certain spices, such as fennel and cloves, add earthy notes to tea.

Overall, the taste of masala tea can be described as:

• Rich and full-bodied: The variety of spices gives the tea a complex and multifaceted flavor.
• Warming: Masala tea is ideal for colder seasons as it warms you from the inside.
• Calming: Aromatic spices help you relax