There’s nothing more soothing than a hot cup of elaichi chai, with its aromatic flavors and comforting warmth. Elaichi (cardamom) adds a unique, fragrant touch that elevates ordinary chai into a delightful, flavorful beverage. Let’s walk through how to make the perfect cup of elaichi chai at home, using simple ingredients and a few pro tips.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious cup of elaichi chai, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk)
- 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- 2-3 green elaichi pods
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (or honey, as per taste)
Tools
- A saucepan
- Mortar and pestle (for crushing the elaichi)
- A strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Crush the Elaichi
Start by crushing the elaichi pods using a mortar and pestle. Crushing them releases the rich, aromatic oils that give the tea its distinct flavor. You can also lightly bruise the pods with the back of a spoon if you don’t have a mortar and pestle.
2. Boil the Water and Tea Leaves
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the loose black tea leaves or tea bags and let it steep for 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your chai.
3. Add the Elaichi and Optional Spices
Add the crushed elaichi pods to the boiling tea. If you like, you can also add other spices like ginger, cinnamon, or cloves for an extra spiced flavor. Let the tea simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Add Milk and Sugar
Once the elaichi has infused well, pour in the milk and stir. Let the chai simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes. Add sugar or honey according to your taste, stirring occasionally to avoid the milk boiling over.
5. Strain and Serve
Strain the tea into cups, removing the elaichi pods and tea leaves. Serve your hot, fragrant elaichi chai with your favorite snack, such as biscuits or pakoras.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Elaichi Chai
- Use whole elaichi pods instead of pre-ground cardamom for the freshest flavor.
- Adjust the milk-to-water ratio based on how creamy or light you prefer your chai.
- Always simmer the tea instead of boiling it vigorously to avoid bitterness.
Health Benefits of Elaichi Chai
Elaichi is not only fragrant but also loaded with health benefits. It aids digestion, has antioxidant properties, and is believed to help detoxify the body. Pairing it with black tea, which has its own set of antioxidants, makes this chai a soothing and healthful drink.
Conclusion
Making the perfect elaichi chai at home is simple, and the result is an aromatic, flavorful tea that’s sure to brighten your day. Whether you enjoy it in the morning or during a relaxing afternoon, this tea is always a comforting choice. With high-quality ingredients like those offered by Garni Foods, you’ll be sipping on the best homemade elaichi chai in no time!
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