Chai tea
Chai tea is one of my favorite hot beverages. If you enjoy cinnamon and cardamom, you will love this. It’s very aromatic. It’s great in the mornings. It’s great in the afternoons. And it’s great in the evenings. Beside tasting fabulous, it has many health benefits - antioxidants, digestive support, anti-inflammatory, weight loss, lowering high blood pressure, detoxification, promotes good health, acts as a stress reliever, fight inflammation and pain, reduces menstrual cramps, reduces constipation, promotes healthy bones, and can benefit mental health. Its amazing that something that taste so good can be so healthy.
Here is one recipe for Chai tea. You can use loose tea instead tea bags and decaffeinated if you are sensitive to caffeine. Use as many herbal ingredients as possible to receive as many benefits from each herb. Have fun.
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
2-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into thin rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
10 whole cloves
6 cardamom pods
6 cups cold water
6 bags of black tea (preferably Darjeeling)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
PREPARATION
Combine first 5 ingredients in medium saucepan. Using mallet or back of large spoon, lightly crush or bruise spices. Add 6 cups water; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pan, and simmer gently 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add tea bags and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add milk and sugar. Bring tea just to simmer over high heat, whisking until sugar dissolves. Strain chai into teapot and serve hot. Enjoy!