Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons black tea leaves (or 4 tea bags)
  • 2-3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or alternative milk)
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1-2 inches fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4-5 black peppercorns (optional)
  • A pinch of cloves (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Crush the cardamom pods and any other whole spices using a mortar and pestle.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Stir in the crushed spices and tea leaves or bags.
  4. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes to extract flavors.
  5. Pour in the milk and add sugar. Stir well.
  6. Increase the heat slightly and bring back to a gentle boil.
  7. Remove from heat and strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer.
  8. Enjoy your warm chai immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.