" How to Make Chai "

Chai is a daily part of life here in South Asia and we LOVE it!

So much so....
that we thought we would share the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:
(The following instructions will be for TWO "small" cups of chai- so adjust the recipe as needed)
*This is also approximately the same amount as a normal coffee mug in America.


STEP 1: Pour ONE chai mug of water into a small pan and heat over med.-high flame

STEP 2: Scoop ONE teaspoonful of "chai patti" (loose tea leaves) into the water


STEP 3: Put two spoonfuls (and then a tad more) of sugar into same pan
We tend to lean toward the generous side when sweetening our chai ;)


STEP 4: Take ONE of these small little "seed" looking things = "Elaichi"
In English it's CARDAMON


STEP 5: Find something hard (here a rolling pin is used) & smash it (like a hammer) to crack it open a little (you should see some loose seeds inside)- Dump it into pan- casing & all.
You could also just pull the shell apart and dump those little black pieces into the pan.


***OPTIONAL: If you can find ginger root- you can grate a little into the chai for flavor
(and its good for ya) :)
OTHER Options- Some people like to add cinnamon, or cloves as well.  Really the opportunities are endless- add whatever you want whenever you feel like experimenting.


STEP 6: Stir & let tea boil (at a medium level) a good 3-4 minutes (so it has time to brew).

STEP 7: Once it has brewed some- Stir

STEP 8: The Add ONE chai mug of milk

STEP 9: Stir & check the color- should be a light brown-ish (similar to below)
*I actually think I should have added a "tad" more milk in the picture below

STEP 10: Let boil for another 2-3 minutes until the "froth" starts to rise up in the pan.
Give it a good stir & turn off the flame (pretty quickly or else it will boil over).

STEP 11: Holding the filter over each mug, pour the chai through until each mug is filled.


STEP 12: Drink it up & Enjoy!
* Even better with some light & yummy sweet biscuits

Now if only we could sit down over chai and chat together.
Instead- we would love, while you are drinking your chai, for you to take
a few minutes and pray for South Asia.

Thanks for taking a "chai break" with us :)