"My grandmother made chai so often that her saris had started smelling like chai masala."

"When my grandmother passed away I would often drink masala chai (the first recipe I ever learned was my grandmother's chai)... Every Indian family has their own recipe for chai that is passed down through generations and this is mine.  It's warm, soothing and gives you a chance to sit and reflect on what's going on around you."

Contributor: Hetal Vasavada (Milk & Cardamom blog)

Serves 2 

Ingredients

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons or teabags of black tea (CTC tea is best, or the cheapest tea you can find!) 

1 tablespoon of sugar (or to taste)

2 cups of milk

1 cinnamon stick

5 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed

1 star anise

4 whole cloves

pinch of nutmeg

Directions

Add 1/4 cup of water to a small saucepan. Add black tea and sugar to the water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour in the milk. Add cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, star anise, whole cloves, and pinch of nutmeg. Stir and bring to a boil. Keep a close eye on the chai, as the chai will start up simmer up the pot. As soon as the chai comes simmering up the sides of the pot, quickly turn off the heat. Strain into 2 large mugs and enjoy.