I’m so excited this month to make Masala Chai for the February Recipe Swap. Each month, bloggers are paired with another blogger to explore and make or adapt a recipe from someone else’s blog. Last month, I made Blueberry Cardamom muffins, inspired by the Schizo Chef blog. This month, I was lucky to be paired with Sasmita from First Timer Cook. Sasmita’s blog is filled with recipes designed to make cooking easy. There were so many recipes I was tempted to make, and I’ve definitely got Baked Chenna Tikkas, Carrot Turmeric Soup, and Mango Cheesecake Trifles on my list of recipes to try out soon.
All that said, Sasmita’s Masala Tea is so lovely for a February recipe. We had snow this past weekend in the PNW. Seattle got the brunt of the storm, but it worked its way down through the valley and out onto the coast. It was the perfect weather for tea and a good book.
Note the hint of snow on the ground and my flip flops. This is life in coastal Oregon. The Masala Chai warmed me up nicely. I spent the better part of a weekend afternoon (under a throw with the dog on my lap) sipping tea and reading.
This recipe is easy to make and perfectly spicy. My version is vegan – largely because I was out of milk. I do think the coconut milk used here gives the masala chai a rich, tropical flavor. Plus, the spices are just so warm and cozy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 tablespoon loose leaf black tea
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or milk
Instructions
- Combine the water, tea, and all spices. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 - 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the coconut and milk and reduce to a simmer. Simmer, stirring regularly, for 2 -3 minutes.
- Serves 2. Enjoy!
Please check out the other delicious Recipe Swap Recipes
Koeksisters – South African Doughnuts
Til Ke Laddu – Sweet Sesame Seed Balls
10 comments
Who doesn’t love a great cup of masala chai – with all those spices it is always a treat!
I love a well-made cup of masala chai. Two cups of masala chai a day keep me going. 🙂 Your version looks so perfect and inviting! I love that you have made a vegan version instead of the usual milk-based chai.
It is one drink every Indian can identify with, have fond memories of, and comes back to every day! 🙂 The color of your masala chai looks just perfect 🙂 Enjoy!
I adore masala tea and can’t live without it. You are right its the perfect drink when its cold and freezing. The aromatic spices do wonders to the flavour.
Chai is part our daily life and love this masala chai on cold , moody days. The flavors definitely sure to lift up our soul.
Our weather here is still apt for masala chai. I can drink this anytime of the year though. How flavorful and soul warming this masala chai is!
Mmmm…masala chai. Just love it, my day is incomplete without it. Loved your step by step instructions and the use of different spices.
Ahaaaa Thank you for trying this post of mine 🙂 I think you had a great time with this masala chai .. love that this is a vegan version as well 🙂
I would not come out of bed, if I don’t have masala chai in my bed first thing in the morning. Glad you enjoyed making Masala chai 🙂
I love the picture where you have featured the masalas. Awesome click. This masala chai looks so inviting!!