Masala Chai

Black tea on it's own has a heating and drying quality to it that can aggravate Vata and Pitta constitutions and imbalances.

Adding milk, sugar and a combination of spices creates a more balanced beverage.

Don't be tempted to hurry it up. Allow the water to slowly come to the boil so that there is time for the infusion of the spices.

Ingredients (per cup)

• Cup of water
• Small piece of cinnamon bark OR pinch of cinnamon powder
• 1 green cardamom pod OR a pinch of cardamom powder (a little goes a long way)
• 1 clove OR a pinch of ground cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 slices of fresh ginger
• 1 tsp of tea leaves
• 1 tsp of unrefined (brown) sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or non-dairy alternative (avoid soya)

Directions

1. If using whole spices, bruise slightly first.
2. Put the water in a saucepan with the cinnamon, cardamom, clove and nutmeg and heat slowly.
3. Once you see the steam starting to rise, add the ginger.
4. Continue to slowly heat to boiling point.
5. Once boiling, add the tea and sugar.
6. Boil for 1 - 2 minutes (depending on how strong you like your tea)
7. Add the milk
8. Strain into a cup, sit back and enjoy!