"Masala" translated from Indian means a mixture of spices. Historical records and legends indicate that Masala tea originated in the courts of Asian kings.

According to some sources, Masala tea was discovered in the 7th millennium BC, according to others – 3000 BC. Surprisingly, there is still debate about the origin of tea. At the moment, they indicate either modern Thailand or India.

Masala chai drink has an unusual history. In India, the spread of Masala tea began in 1835, when the British established the first tea plantations in the state of Assam. Masters gave Masala tea to slaves to increase their performance and endurance. And several decades later, this type of tea began to be distributed by Indian traders in markets and bazaars.

An interesting fact is that Masala tea was an expensive pleasure. In order not to exceed personal expenses, cunning chai-wallas (Indian tea traders) began to dilute the drink with spices. As a result, Masala tea has become the most popular among the Indian population. Only at the end of the 19th century did the world become aware of the Masala tea drink, and the peak of its popularity occurred in the second half of the 20th century. At this time, the type of tea became generally available and widespread.

Today, Indians present the Masala drink as a landmark of the country. There is a legend that modern Masala tea is a descendant of karhi - an Indian drink that gives courage.

Composition of Masala tea

Masala tea is rich in vitamins and macroelements. The composition includes: copper, sodium, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, vitamins A, E, C, phosphorus.

Black tea also contains ascorbic acid. Since ancient times, Indian tea peddlers have added spices and herbs to it, which is still considered the main criterion for brewing Masala tea. You will be surprised, but in those days black tea was not part of Masala tea. The traditional way to prepare Masala tea is simple: mix 1⁄4 parts milk and 1⁄2 parts water and bring to a boil.

Cooking method

The formula for preparing classic Masala tea includes milk, spices, and strongly brewed black loose leaf tea. Sometimes black tea is replaced with fruit or green tea. You can sweeten the drink with sugar, honey or condensed milk. Remember that milk and spices are essential components of the drink, as they determine the beneficial properties of tea.

Read also:

Chanterelles - benefits and beneficial properties of chanterelles

The tea is based on a set of spices: cardamom, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, saffron. But you can add your own spice preferences for Masala chai to this list. Don't be afraid to experiment at home with adding spices, but don't add all the spices at once - this will ruin the taste of the tea.

Masala tea mixtures are sold in specialized stores. Brew tea with love - the taste of the drink conveys the mood to your guests.

Beneficial properties of Masala tea

Has an immunomodulatory effect

Masala tea activates immune cells. During the cold season, the body is weakened and it is easy for viruses to suppress the immune system. Regular consumption of Masala tea will help you avoid illness. Add pepper, ginger root, honey.

The healing and antibacterial properties of honey will protect the body. Honey is often added to tea along with ginger. Ginger root has a calming effect and has a warming property.

After your walk, drink a mug of Masala tea with ginger. Rest assured: Masala tea with ginger and honey will protect the body from acute respiratory infections and the influenza virus.

Tones and invigorates

Masala tea refreshes, gives energy, speeds up metabolism. If you brew it in the morning, add invigorating spices: mint, star anise, fennel seeds. Mint leaves will relieve headaches or confusion. Star anise will strengthen the immune system, relieve stress and fatigue until the end of the day. Fennel seeds will relieve stomach colic, especially in young children.

Alternative for coffee lovers

Any Indian will tell you that you will stop drinking coffee once you try Masala tea. This is due to its active tonic properties and amazing aroma. Surprisingly, Masala tea can give you energy throughout the day and does not contain a drop of caffeine.

On cold winter evenings, we are used to warming ourselves up with our usual drinks - tea, coffee, cocoa. But I suggest you prepare a spicy drink consisting of milk, black tea and a huge amount of healthy spices. I will tell you not only the recipe for masala tea, but also what benefits it has for the body.

Masala tea came to us from India. There is no exact date for the appearance of this drink, but in the 20th century it gained immense popularity throughout the world. In the distant past, this drink was given to slaves working on tea plantations to increase stamina.

And only then they began to sell it in local markets. Today in India, masala tea is considered one of the country's attractions. And the process of preparing it looks like a small performance.

Masala tea recipe with milk

Kitchenware: pan, knife, cup, strainer, teaspoon.

• To prepare masala tea, use loose leaf black tea. The brew should be without additional flavoring additives and with a pleasant taste of black tea. Adjust the amount of brewing to your taste.
• If you don't like a spice, replace it. Use only those spices that you like, don’t be afraid to experiment, that’s the only way you’ll get the perfect drink for you.

Making masala tea

Video recipe

This video will be a great help in preparing a healthy drink.

Recipe for making masala tea with honey

Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Number of servings: 2.
Kitchenware: small saucepan, spoon, cup, strainer, grater.

Ingredients

Making masala tea

1. Pour 5 g of cloves into a small saucepan, 3 pcs. cardamom, 4 pcs. peppercorns, 2 pcs. star anise and 5 g fennel seeds. Heat the spices for 1-2 minutes. This way they will better give off their spicy aroma.
   
   
2. Add 200 ml of milk to the spices.
   
   
3. Add 400 ml of drinking water to the milk.
   
   
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add 15 g of black tea to the milk mixture. Adjust the amount of brewing to your taste. Grate the nutmeg and pour into a saucepan.
   
   
5. Add 10 g of honey and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Place the pan on the fire and bring the drink to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes. If you like sweet tea, add a little sugar.
   
   
7. Remove the tea from the heat, cover with a lid and let it stand for 5 minutes. Strain the tea through a sieve into a cup and start drinking tea.
   
   

Video recipe

Watch this video recipe and be sure to make this spicy tea.

Classic masala tea recipe

Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Number of servings: 3-4.
Kitchenware: spoon, mortar, pestle, saucepan, wooden spatula, cups, strainer, slotted spoon.

Ingredients

Making masala tea

1. Pour 1 tsp into a mortar. green cardamom, 1 tsp. black pepper. Using a pestle, we begin to grind the spices.
   
   
2. Pour the chopped pepper and green cardamom into the pan. Add 1 tsp there. carnations, 5 pcs. star anise. Press the star anise lightly with your hands. Then break 2 cones of pippali pepper and add to the rest of the spices. After the pepper, add 2 pcs. black cardamom. Add 2 tbsp to the pan. l. black tea, 5 g cinnamon, 5 g ginger and 5 g nutmeg.
   
   
3. Pour all the spices into 500 ml of water and 500 ml of milk.
   
   
4. Add 2 tbsp. l. cane sugar. You can use regular white sugar.
   
   
5. Turn on the stove and start brewing tea, remembering to stir it with a spatula.
   
   
6. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it brew for 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove large spices.
   
   
7. Filter the tea into cups through a strainer and enjoy the aromatic drink.
   
   

Video recipe

In this video you will see the recipe for Indian tea and its composition.

Don’t miss the opportunity to fill your body with energy and healthy vitamins, use the “sea buckthorn tea recipe.” To prevent colds, use the recipe for ginger tea with lemon and honey.

And if you want to feel like a real brewer, then there are “beer recipes” for you. And don’t forget to prepare —beer snacks at home—. Once you try them, you will forever forget about store-bought chips and crackers.

Beneficial properties of masala tea

It is milk and spices that make tea so beneficial for the body. The main spices for masala tea are cloves, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper and cardamom. The combination of all these spices has a tonic and invigorating effect on the body. It also improves digestion and speeds up metabolism, improves heart and brain function.

• Ginger boosts immunity, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in various respiratory diseases. Strengthens blood vessels and lowers cholesterol levels in the body. It also has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system, strengthens joints and relieves inflammation.
• Cloves are rich in vitamins B1, B2, PP, B6, E, K. It contains potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and tannins. This spice has antifungal, analgesic and wound healing effects.
• Cardamom improves metabolism, helps get rid of nausea and bloating. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves headaches and improves mood. It is also considered a powerful aphrodisiac.
• Nutmeg has tonic, soothing, and antibacterial properties. It is recommended to be used for indigestion, insomnia and colds. In folk medicine it is used as an antitumor agent. It also improves brain activity, improves memory and blood circulation.

Indian masala tea is a delicious warming drink, an excellent alternative to coffee and traditional tea. It has a somewhat unusual, but quite pleasant taste. It also has many beneficial properties, although it also has contraindications.

Composition of masala tea

The benefits and harms are determined by its composition. The main component here is black tea, preferably Indian or Ceylon, large-leaf. Auxiliary ingredients are milk and various spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, fennel, black pepper, star anise, etc. - the set depends on the specific recipe). You can also add sugar or honey to the finished drink.

How to brew masala tea?

You can prepare this drink at home. Boil water in a small saucepan, then add milk to your taste, but not too much. After this, add chopped ginger root and nutmeg, wait a little and add the rest of the spices. The water should continue to boil slightly. After a few minutes, turn off the heat and add sweetener to the hot tea. It is also better to drink it hot or at least warm.

The benefits and harms of masala tea

It doesn’t matter what masala tea recipe is used, the benefits for the body will still be noticeable. It speeds up metabolism, energizes, and relieves hunger. In addition, it normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanses it of toxins, strengthens the immune system, treats colds, and kills harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It is also able to relieve nervous tension, calms, and improves brain activity. It contains vitamins A, K, B1 and B2, as well as nicotinic acid and other useful substances. However, it should be drunk very carefully by those who are allergic to spices, as well as intolerant to certain components of the drink.

A drink with spices will invigorate you and energize you!

If you are a person who loves tea ceremonies and is not averse to experimenting, then this article is for you! In it we will tell you about a very interesting drink and what beneficial properties it has. We will also share our favorite recipes that will help create a warm and cozy atmosphere at your table.

Probably every person who opens this article will be wondering what benefits masala tea has for the body.

The following beneficial effects should be noted:

• improves metabolism;
• burns extra pounds;
• strengthens the immune system;
• protects against viruses;
• improves mood and relieves depression;
• increases concentration and improves brain activity;
• prevents the formation of blood clots;
• removes harmful cholesterol from the body;
• supplies calcium;
• helps in the fight against colds;
• normalizes digestion;
• improves blood circulation;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• has an antioxidant effect, preventing the development of cancer;
• It invigorates and energizes those who are always sleepy, so it can be recommended to coffee lovers.

There are various recipes for preparing aromatic and healthy masala tea, we have found the best ones for you.

Classical

Ingredients:

• one glass of milk;
• two teaspoons of tea leaves;
• 3/4 cup water;
• four pieces of black pepper;
• three carnations;
• five pieces cardamom;
• a pinch of cinnamon;
• a pinch of ginger;
• a teaspoon of sugar.

Cooking method:

1. grind the spices and mix with the leaves of the plant;
2. pour in liquids, bring to a boil;
3. add sugar;
4. strain.

With lime and mint

Lime will add an amazing taste and aroma to your drink.

Ingredients:

• a cup of water;
• a cup of milk;
• tablespoon tea leaves
• one piece cardamom;
• carnation;
• half tsp grated ginger;
• half tsp cinnamon;
• lime (several wedges);
• a bunch of mint;
• two tsp. honey.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. add crushed spices to the water;
2. boil;
3. add plant leaves, milk, honey and lime;
4. reduce heat and simmer for another 4 minutes;
5. strain the drink.

With fennel and nutmeg

• a cup of water;
• two cups of milk;
• 10 g grated ginger root;
• four pieces of black pepper;
• one piece star anise;
• two carnations;
• two pieces. cardamom;
• one nutmeg;
• 0.5 tsp cinnamon;
• tsp fennel;
• a tablespoon of black long tea;
• dining room l. Sahara.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Pour milk and water into a separate bowl, place on the stove and bring to a boil;
2. pour tea into boiling water, and finely grated ginger, black pepper and chopped nutmeg into milk;
3. after four minutes, add the remaining spices to the milk, remove the second container from the heat;
4. after three minutes, pour sugar into the milk and remove from heat;
5. mix two liquids (to do this, pour them from one saucepan to another several times);
6. filter.

What is masala tea?

This is an Indian traditional invigorating drink made by brewing tea leaves with various spices and spices. The name means "spiced tea" in Hindi. There is no classic recipe, because different families make their own amendments, and each time they get a new and unique drink.

Compound

a) herbs and spices; b) milk; c) tea; d) honey

The liquid consists of four main ingredients:

• Tea. Is the base ingredient. Sheet black is usually used, but green is also acceptable. You should choose varieties with a mildly pronounced taste so that the aromas of other products included in the composition are not drowned out.
• Milk. In India, the most commonly used product is buffalo, but regular cow or goat will work just fine.
• Sweetener. Honey, cane or palm sugar, and condensed milk are used as sweeteners.
• Spices. Their range is quite diverse. Add cloves, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, fennel seeds, almonds, rose petals, fenugreek, saffron, cardamom, licorice root. Thanks to this diversity, you can create a large number of flavor compositions.

How to brew masala tea?

a) boiling milk and water; b) adding spices; c) adding tea; d) straining

Now let's move on to the most important and time-consuming process. Let's look at how to brew masala tea. There are various cooking methods. Let's look at them.

Method 1

Heat water with spices in a metal container.

After boiling, combine the mixture with tea, dairy product and sweetener.

Cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer for another 5 minutes. on the stove.

Remove the dishes from the heat, strain the aromatic liquid through a strainer and fill the cups with it.

Method 2

In a large saucepan, you need to mix the liquids in the desired proportion (it may vary depending on your taste preferences).

Place the resulting mixture on the fire and bring to a boil.

Star anise can be used to garnish the drink.

There is a method where adding water is not required; brewing occurs only in milk. Dairy lovers will love this recipe. The taste is creamy and delicate.

The recipe for making this masala tea is quite simple:

• lightly fry the spices in ghee;
• bring the milk to a boil, then add the plant leaves and fried spices into it;
• turn the heat to low and keep the drink on it for another three minutes;
• remove the liquid from the stove and pour in the honey.

Masala tea: a recipe for preparing a ready-made mixture

If you don’t like to improvise, purchase a pre-prepared mixture at the store or market. This can be much more profitable, given the fact that the desired ingredients can be quite difficult to find. The cost of a masala tea mixture depends on the spices included in the composition. Usually it ranges from 150 to 300 rubles per 50 g.

The cooking method can be used using any of those indicated in point 3. It’s just that here you won’t need to look for the ingredients yourself and create unusual combinations. Everything has already been selected for you. It is even possible that on the packaging you will find a recommended recipe for preparing the finished mixture.

There is also a product that contains both plant leaves and spices. It is brewed like a regular drink - pour water at a temperature of 80-90 degrees, let it brew, strain and drink. But this is no longer so interesting.

Masala tea: benefits and harms

In the second paragraph of our article, we talked about the benefits of masala tea, but before drinking, reasonable people, of course, try to find out about its dangers, so as not to get unpleasant consequences later.

We hasten to please you! This drink should not be used only if you have an intolerance to any of the ingredients included in the composition. But we think that you can replace these components with something, because the list of products used is quite diverse. The exception is lactose intolerance. Do not consume this liquid in this case, as bloating and gas formation may occur.

We hope that our article was useful to you!

Despite the great variety masala tea recipes, However, we can mention those main components of this drink that distinguish it from all other methods of preparing tea.

Masala tea must contain the following ingredients:

1. black tea (usually inexpensive, strong and with a strong taste);
2. spices;
3. milk;
4. sugar.

Selecting tea

Of the tea varieties, preference is given to the variety Assam, often granular, and sometimes large-leaf. Ceylon loose leaf tea is also suitable. Depending on the strength of the drink you want, the tea is either brought to a boil and simmered over low heat, or added to boiling water and left to brew.

A few words about milk

The type of milk, its fat content and the proportions of its relationship with water fluctuate depending on how thick and milky the drink should be. Proportions of milk to water ratio in masala chai can be from 1:4 to 2:5. Milk is often added to prepared tea. Sometimes milk and water are mixed before cooking, and then spices are boiled and tea is brewed.

Milk reveals the flavors and aromas of spices well. Sometimes it is recommended not to just pour spices into a hot milk-water mixture, but to bring them to a boil and simmer over low heat.

Spices

Spices are an important part of a masala chai recipe.

Now let's look at the composition of the spice mixture. It is this that determines the taste of the drink. Usually for masala tea they take cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, fresh and ground ginger And pepper(can be black, red or white). Sometimes they add it in very small dosages saffron, anise,nutmeg, ajwan, cumin, coriander And fennel. For a richer and brighter aroma and taste of the drink, it is better not to use ready-made ground spices, but to grind fresh ones right before preparation.

We invite you to evaluate the recipes of the blog about Indian tea. If you tried it, share your impressions. We will be glad to see your recipes for making masala tea in the comments!

Here are several quite different recipes for making masala chai.

Masala tea: recipe No. 1

Masala tea - a stronger recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water;
• 1 cup milk (more if you want a thicker, milkier tea);
• 5/4 tablespoons black tea;
• sugar to taste.

Spices:

• 2 pcs. cardamom;
• 2 black peppercorns;
• 1 star anise;
• 2 whole cloves;
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds;
• 1 tsp grated ginger;
• 1/2 stick of cloves;
• a pinch of grated nutmeg;
• some dry rose petals.

Cooking method
Grind all spices and mix. Bring tea, water and milk to a boil in one container. Turn off the heat and add the spice mixture. Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Strain. The drink is ready.

Masala tea: recipe No. 2 - unground spices

With this brewing method, the following not ground spices collected and placed in a small bag or made into a bundle of gauze or thin fabric. Then this bag is lowered on a string into the liquid while the tea is being brewed and taken out when finished.

Spicy masala tea

Spices:

• 4 small cinnamon sticks;
• 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds;
• 10 carnations;
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of water;
• 1/4 cup of black tea;
• 3 cups milk;
• 1/4 cup honey.

Cooking method:
Pour water into a steel or enamel pan, take a bag of spices and lower it into the water on a string. Secure the bag so that it is easy to take out later. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to very low and simmer the spices for about 10 minutes. Strong boiling may cause masala tea rancid. Turn off the heat and add black tea. Leave to brew for another 2-3 minutes. Then take out the spice bag. Add milk, honey, vanilla. Tea is ready.

Masala tea: recipe No. 3 - ready-made spice mixture

This recipe suggests preparing the spice mixture in advance according to the recipe. It will be enough for several brews.

Recipe with ready-made spice mixture

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon of green cardamom seeds;
• 10 black peppercorns;
• 1 teaspoon of anise seeds;
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger;
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves;

Ingredients:
For two cups of masala tea you will need:

• 1 cup of water;
• 1/2 cup milk;
• 2 teaspoons of black tea;
• 1/2 teaspoon of spice mixture;
• sugar to taste.

Cooking method:
Boil water and milk along with 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared spice mixture. As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat. Add tea and continue to cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the spices from the drink. Masala tea is ready.

Masala tea: recipe No. 4 - spices first

Take 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Add the following spices, after grinding them:

Masala tea - an easy option

Spices:

• 4 cloves;
• 2 cardamom seeds;
• 2 black peppercorns;
• cinnamon stick;
• a piece of fresh ginger the size of an orange slice (finely chopped).

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sugar;
• 2 tablespoons of black tea;
• 2 cups milk;
• 2 cups of water.

Cooking method:
After cooking the spices for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat. Pour in the black tea and let steep for another 3-4 minutes. Masala tea is ready! Bon appetit!