Masala Chai (Hot Indian Tea spiced with Cardamom and Ginger)

So I have a story.  This past Friday, on a freezing morning, I was in a pretty bad car accident, thankfully everyone was safe.  I was sandwiched between a Truck and SUV, my car was totalled, thank GOD I am okay and everyone involved.  Luckily, I was only 5 minutes from home so my husband came over and took care of everything that followed, you know… the police report, dealing with the insurance companies, obtaining a rental car, etc.  He called out of work and took care of me all day… I was and am very grateful.

Sometimes I think us women take the men in our lives for granted, our complaints that they don’t help out as much, or forget to do certain things, but what we don’t realize is that when they do go over and beyond for us, they don’t expect anything in return, am I right?  Maybe cause we do everything else 🙂  Who knows?

Saturday morning, I woke up before him… which never happens, I made him Indian Masala Chai, his favorite.  It was my way of showing him my appreciation for everything he did.  I do other stuff, but this gesture was extra special since I woke up before him. 

INGREDIENTS (makes 2 cups):

• Water – 2 cups
• Ginger – little piece (shown below)
• Cardamom Seeds – 3 (broken)
• Red Label Loose Indian Tea Leaves – 3-4 tsp (I used 4 tsp)
• Milk 1%/2% – 1/2 cup (I used 2%)
• Sugar to taste

DIRECTIONS:  
1. On medium heat, heat a pot of water.  I measured 2 cups exactly.  Wait for the water to heat.  

2. In the meantime, take a piece of ginger and grate it. 

3. Get your cardamom and crack them open.  

4. Once little bubble forms in the pot, add your ginger and cardamom seeds.  

5. After a few minutes, add the Red Label Loose Tea leaves.  I used 4 tsp for a more stronger tea flavor, you can use 3 tsp if you are going for a more mild tea flavor.  

6. Stir.  The water will start boiling at this point.   

7. Add milk, you may need less than 1/2 cup, or a bit more, I used exactly 1/2 cup of 2% milk.   TIP: Don’t use skim milk, it’ll be so diluted, use 1%, 2%, or Whole.  You will achieve the best consistency.  

8. This is what you should have.  Allow this to boil, will take 3-5 minutes.  STAY CLOSE so you can watch the tea boil, else it’ll spill. 

9. Once the tea starts to rise, turn off the gas.   

11. Add sugar to taste.  Enjoy!!!