Indian Chai Latte
Chai in India comes in almost as many varieties as curry, so the elusive “authentic” Indian chai remains a matter of taste. This delicious, spicy, old-fashioned Indian style Chai Latte makes a great healthier alternative to the kind you’d buy at a coffee shop.
And what is more, it can be made at home in just minutes. It’s dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and makes a great healthier alternative to the kind you’d buy at a coffee shop. Try and I’m sure you will love it!
Ingredients for 4 12-ounce servings:
1⁄4 cup cardamom pods
1⁄3 cup (2- to 3-inch-long) cinnamon sticks
1⁄2 cup fresh ginger, chopped small
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole cloves
6 cups rice or almond milk (see Tips and Tricks)
2 tea bags black tea (optional), such as breakfast tea, or 11⁄2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or 1⁄4 cup brown rice syrup
Directions
1. Place the cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks in a blender and pulse-chop two or three times to break them up a bit. Don’t blend them into a powder. Place them in a pot with the ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and rice milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Turn off the heat and, if desired, add the tea, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes (de- pending upon the tea). Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and return to the pot over low heat.
3. Add the maple syrup, whisk, and serve.
Tips and Tricks
For this recipe I recommend using rice milk over soy or other milks because it won’t thicken as much as it cooks. If you are using another milk, you may want to dilute the milk with water by one quarter to one half, depending on the thickness of your choice of milk. I hope you’ll enjoy this easy and flavorful drink! Bon Appétit!
If you like this recipe, or if there is another way you prefer cooking it – please let me know!