Authentic Homemade Indian Chai Recipe

Easy step by step recipe for you to learn how to make authentic delicious homemade Indian chai from scratch.

Course Beverages

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 5

Total Time 7

Servings cups

Calories 77kcal

Author Manju

Gather the tea leaves, milk, water and spices, if using, to make the chai.
Start by bringing the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Crush any spices that you are using for the chai.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the tea leaves to boiling water. Let it boil for a minute.
Add the organic whole milk and increase the heat to medium-heat. Keep a close watch on the saucepan at this time, as the milk may boil over.
As the milk is about to boil, add the chai masala spice mix, if using. Mix it in well, with a spoon.
Bring the tea to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low or whichever heat point where the chai keeps dubbing and simmering but does not rise so it can overflow.
Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. You can let it simmer for just a minute or so, if you are in a hurry. The simmering is what concentrates all that flavor for the chai. You can simmer it for as long as even 5-10 mins. It may reduce the quantity of chai a little but it will keep it nice and hot as you wait for company.
Turn off heat and strain the chai into tea cups. Add sugar to taste and mix well. Enjoy it hot.

Adjust the water to milk ratio to your taste. This comes with practise. You can go with the ratio in this recipe and change it up to your personal preference.
Start with less spice if you are making masala chai. You can always add more the next time you make chai. Understanding how the milk, water and tea works and then incorporating the spices into it is key.
Don’t boil the tea leaves in high heat for a long time. You chai may turn bitter. A minute is more than enough. You can boil more to steep in the flavor after adding the milk.
Add the spices towards the end for the flavors to stay fresh and not be boiled away.