In Nepal, Masala tea is a nationwide popular drink. Almost all tea enthusiast adores this delicious tea, which is produced by combining various spices with health benefits.
It is more popular during the great winter and monsoon season. It’s the life elixir that keeps most of us going throughout the day. To start your day on a cheerful note, all you need is a sip from a steaming cup of masala tea.
Although this drink is available in local tea shops, the scent and flavor of a homemade cup of masala chai are incomparable.
If you have not made the masala tea on your own, then don’t worry; you are at the right place. This article will contain all the information you need to know to prepare your homemade masala tea.
Ingredients for two cups of masala tea
Whole Spices
6 – 10 green cardamom
One stick of cinnamon
1-inch fresh ginger and one teaspoon dry ginger powder
One-piece black pepper
4-6 pieces of cloves
Other ingredients
2 teaspoonful black tea / 1 – 2 teabags
3/2 cups whole milk
3/2 cups water
4 – 6 teaspoonfuls of sugar
Steps to make masala tea
- Firstly, take all the spices/masalas except ginger and dry roast them in a pan in low heat for about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the heated spices to cool.
- After that, transfer the whole roasted spices to an electric blender and turn them into fine powder form. Alternatively, you can crush the spices manually using a Mortar and Pestle.
- Take 3/2 cups of clean water in a tea pan and boil the water in medium to high flame.
- After the water boils, add the black tea and freshly ground tea masala powder to the water. Stir the tea regularly while boiling.
- Let the tea steep well.
- Then, add the sugar to the boiling tea and boil in medium flame for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Next, add the dry ginger powder and whole milk to the tea and boil for 3 – 5 minutes. The amount of time for boiling depends on how strong a taste you desire. If you want a strong, aromatic tea, boil for many minutes; otherwise, cook until bubbles appear. However, if the tea is not properly boiled or long enough, the flavor will be flat.
- Lower the heat and top with grated fresh ginger. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes and cover it with a lid.
- Pour the blazing hot tea straight into the glasses via a tea strainer, and serve the finest masala tea.
Quick Tips
- The quality of tea you’re using has a significant impact on the taste. Many tea lovers favor Assam and Ilam organic tea. Others prefer a blend of the two.
- A very well-balanced proportion of milk and water should be used. While it is entirely up to personal preference, too much milk may drastically change the flavor and cause acidity, while too little milk can make the tea watery.
- The spices in the tea shall change according to the season. The spices listed above are ideal for mid to late winter and monsoon. You might also use only one or two spices in summer to reduce the body heat. Ginger and cardamom are two of my top spices for masala tea.
Amount per Serving
Calories: 103kcal
Total fat: 3.1 gram
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 200.9 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 17.7 gram
Dietary fiber: 1.3 gram
Sugars 12.2 gram
Protein 1.9 gram
Vitamin A: 114 µg
Calcium: 567 mg
Magnesium: 32.1 mg
Potassium: 267.7 mg
Health Benefits of Masala Tea
1. Strengthens Immunity
The masala tea recipe includes clove and cinnamon, which is advantageous for your immune system. Moreover, the medicinal benefits of the two spices are boosted if you take them together.
Pathogens are unable to undermine the immune system because of their complementary functions. Hence, it is reasonable to argue that masala tea can fight against harmful bacteria.
2. Consists of Antioxidants
Masala tea’s main constituent is black tea, which has potent antioxidant qualities. Clove and cardamom, which are naturally present in the drink, help to lower bad cholesterol levels.
As a result, plaques that create blockages and contribute to cardiovascular disease are reduced. Masala tea’s components help to keep blood pressure and heart rate in check.
3. Fights Inflammation
Masala tea contains anti-inflammatory properties, which are mainly derived from ginger. Ginger has been shown in studies to help reduce inflammation in the body. Another substance with similar properties is clove. These two ingredients are also well-known pain relievers.
4. Raises your Energy Levels
The masala tea contains caffeine, which will give you a burst of energy. Although caffeine has been shown to have certain detrimental side effects when consumed in large amounts, the other components of the tea help cut the bad effects of caffeine.
Consuming masala tea in the morning or on a gloomy day is what you need to get your day started.
5. Helps in Digestion
The natural spices within the tea, including cloves and cardamom, help with digestion. The benefits of the combination will increase when ginger is added. With the aid of cardamom, which enhances saliva production, digestion is considerably improved.
6. Fights against Cancerous Cells
The anti-oxidizing characteristics in this tea have been found in studies to help avoid cancer. Cancer-fighting qualities are found in ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Similarly, regular drinking masala tea might help to keep the multiplication of cancerous cells in check.