chai

My mom used to make this for me and my friends in high school before Chai became a thing and my girlfriends still reminisce about it.  The flavors are present and comforting, but the best part is that the sugar level is a fraction of what you find in the chai at the well-known coffee chain that shall not be named.  

​Time: Under 30 minutes
Level: Easy
​Servings: Four cups

print this recipe!

---

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups Water
• 1 Star Anise Petal
• 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
• 1 teaspoon Whole Black Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Cardamom Pods, slightly crushed
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 inch Ginger, cut into small pieces
• 5 Tablespoons Orange Pekoe Tea (can use Darjeeling if you prefer)
• 2 cups of Milk
• 3-4 Tablespoons Sugar (according to taste)

PREPARATION

1. Put Water in a medium pot with Star Anise, Fennel Seeds, Cloves, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon and Ginger.   Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 15 minutes. 
2. Place the tea in the pot and steep for 10 minutes for Orange Pekoe and about 3-5 minutes if using Darjeeling. 
3. Strain liquid into another medium pot.    
4. Add Milk and Sugar to pot and bring to a gentle simmer without boiling. 
5. Add more sugar if desired.