ADVERTISEMENT
Introduction:
Winter brings with it a desire for warmth and comfort, and what better way to embrace the chilly season than with a cup of aromatic and spicy Winter Spice Tea Masala? This fragrant, flavorful tea is a perfect blend of traditional spices that not only keep you warm but also offer numerous health benefits. Whether you’re sipping it to start your day or enjoying it during a cozy afternoon, this Winter Spice Tea Masala will quickly become your go-to recipe for cold weather relaxation.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
1-2 tablespoons black tea leaves (or tea bags)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 green cardamom pods, crushed
2-3 cloves
1 small piece of fresh ginger, grated or sliced
1-2 black peppercorns (optional, for extra heat)
1 star anise (optional)
2 teaspoons sugar (or honey, to taste)
1-2 teaspoons of masala chai spice mix (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Spices: In a small saucepan, add the water, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, grated ginger, black pepper, and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. The longer you let the spices simmer, the more intense the flavor will be.
Add Tea: Once the water begins to boil, add the black tea leaves (or tea bags) and let it brew for 3-5 minutes. Adjust the brewing time to your taste preference – the longer it brews, the stronger the tea will be.
Add Milk and Sweetener: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk of your choice. Stir in the sugar or honey until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse with the milk.
Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the tea into a cup, discarding the spices and tea leaves.
Serve Hot: Enjoy your Winter Spice Tea Masala immediately, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of extra masala chai spice if desired.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serve with a Side of Treats: Pair your warm cup of tea with some ginger cookies or a slice of cake for a complete winter snack.
Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar or honey can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you enjoy a sweeter taste, feel free to add more.
Store Leftovers: If you have leftover tea, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
Add Some Froth: If you prefer a frothy texture, whisk the milk separately before adding it to the tea mixture, or use a milk frother for a creamy finish.
Variants:
Vegan Version: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated black tea for a caffeine-free version of the masala tea.
Spicy Twist: If you like your tea to pack more of a punch, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of red chili powder for a spicy kick.
Herbal Masala Tea: Replace the black tea with herbal tea (like chamomile or rooibos) for a more soothing, caffeine-free version.
FAQ:
ADVERTISEMENT
