Chai Tea Time

The Balanced Yogi Blog
Chai Tea is one of my very favorite drinks and I much prefer it to coffee. I would rather make it from scratch than buy it already made, however it is available in most coffee houses these days.

Originating in India, Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan, the word “chai” means “tea” in those regions. It is a spiced tea mixed with milk and a sweetener. According to Ayurveda, in ancient times this tea was thought to have been used as a cure for minor ailments in people who did not have access to medical care. Even today chai tea is considered to be regenerative and cleansing if consumed on a regular basis.

Sometimes as a treat I bring it for my Yoga classes and it is quickly becoming a favorite of theirs also. Many of my students ask for the recipe, so I thought I would just blog it so that it is easy to reach for when you want to make a comforting cup.

The Balanced Yogi Blog

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Water
  • 2 Tbls. Black Tea (I like to use the Himalayan Institutes “Namastea”)
  • 2 Tbls. Fresh Ginger (grated)
  • 1 Tbls. Cardamom Pods (crushed)
  • 2 Cinnamon sticks
  • 2 cups Organic Milk (I use skim milk if I don’t have raw milk)
  • 1 Tbls. Organic Raw Sugar
  • A couple of pinches saffron
  • A couple of pinches nutmeg
  • A couple of pinches cloves
In one pot combine water, tea, ginger, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil then let simmer for about 10 minutes (or a little longer if you like your tea stronger). In another pot combine milk, sugar and saffron. Bring to a boil then immediately remove from burner.

Chai Tea Time

Combine the contents of the two pots and strain through cheese cloth. Add the saffron, nutmeg and cloves to taste.

Makes 4 to 5 cups. Enjoy!