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    Home » Recipes

    Posted on: Apr 9, 2019 · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Kadak Masala Chai (gluten-free)

    465 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    A warm and robust cup of kadak masala chai. Strong Indian tea prepared with aromatic spices and ginger.
    Kadak Masala Chai

    Growing up in an Indian household, tea was (and still is) a staple in our home. Ever since I was little, I fondly remember my mom having a cup of tea with a digestive cookie or some namkeen (salty snack). It's no surprise that I started drinking tea by the age of 16.
    Kadak Masala Chai

    In my family, we are all chai lovers, although addiction may be the right word here. We often meet for elaborate chai sessions which include multiple cups of tea, desserts, Indian snacks, and lots of chitchats. It's our way to connect with one another.
    Kadak Masala Chai

    Every time I go back home, the one thing I look forward to most is my chai sessions with my mom, sisters, and nieces. It has become such a ritual of ours, and I know we'll be doing it for years and years to come. It's all about bonding, sisterhood, and sharing.

    Now that I'm living on the west coast, I need to find myself some chai buddies, but for now, it's just me. 🙂 I've been experimenting for months to come up with my own version of Kadak Masala Chai, one that's strong and hits the back of your throat. It's taken me a few months to perfect so I hope you will try it and appreciate it.  My tea is flavorful, gingery, and robust in flavor.

    What kind of milk should I use for this recipe?

    I recommend using whole milk when making kadak masala chai, however I also use 2% reduced-fat milk because I don't always enjoy super thick chai.

    I don't recommend using 1% low-fat milk or skim milk.

    Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! 

    For a vegan option, I recommend oat milk (Oatly works). The key is to not overboil your oat milk, so here are a couple of options:

    1. You may add the oat milk when adding milk, but don't overboil the chai.
    2. You may warm up oat milk on the side and add it to the chai towards the end. Again, do not overboil the chai when using oat milk.

    Tips on how to make good Kadak Masala Chai

    • Make sure the water is simmering before you add the spices and ginger.
    • Ginger is KEY in this recipe. I love how the flavors hit the back of my throat. 
    • Add the tea leaves once the water is simmering.
    • DO NOT boil the tea leaves for long, only boil the tea leaves for 30 - 45 seconds max and then add the milk. If you boil the tea leaves too long, this will result in bitter tea. Trust me, I've experimented enough.
    • Pull the tea as you bring it to a boil, this allows the flavors to combine and creates a frothy mixture.
    • Now add cardamom while the tea starts to boil. Adding cardamom towards the end will enhance the flavor of the tea.
    • Once the tea is done boiling, cover the tea with a lid for a minute and let the flavors marry together.

    Now that you've read my tips on making a good cup of Kadak Masala Chai, proceed to make it. Hope you love it. Follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make it.

    kadak masala chai is:

    Robust
    Warm and Spicy
    Comforting
    Gingery
    Soothing when you're sick
    Gluten-Free
    The Best Masala Chai 🙂

     

    How to make Kadak Masala Chai step by step?

    1. Heat up a pot of water on medium-high heat.
    Kadak Masala Chai

    2. While the water comes to a simmer, use a mortar and pestle to crush the spices - clove, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Add the cardamom at the end.

    3. Once the water simmers, add the crushed spices.

    4. Grate ½ inch piece of ginger directly into the pot of water. This helps the juices of the ginger directly fall in which adds a lot of flavors.

    5. Reduce heat to medium. Bring the water to a boil - about 1 minute.

    6. Once the flavors start to boil and the color changes slightly, add the tea leaves. Boil for 30 seconds max.

    7.. Immediately after, add the milk.

    Boil

    8. Pull the tea a few times to help mix all the ingredients. This also creates a frothy mixture.

    9. Bring the tea to a boil, make sure the tea doesn't overflow so stay close. This will take about 3 minutes. Add the crushed cardamom at this stage which will enhance the flavor of your tea.

    10. Once the tea comes to a boil. Turn off the gas. Cover with a lid for one minute.

    11. Strain the tea into a glass/mug. If you require sugar, add it directly to your tea. Enjoy with a digestive cookie, my favorite way to enjoy tea these days.


     

     

    Pin Kadak Masala Chai
    Kadak Masala Chai - Strong Spiced Indian Tea

     

    Kadak Masala Chai

    Vegetarian, Gluten-free
    A warm and robust cup of kadak masala chai. Strong Indian tea prepared with aromatic spices and ginger.
    4.91 from 21 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Afternoon Tea
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 1 large cup
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Nisha @ honeywhatscooking

    Equipment

    • Chai Pot

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup water
    • 1 clove
    • ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
    • 1 cardamom pods - premium quality, else use 2 small cardamom pods
    • 1 black peppercorn
    • ¼ inch cinnamon stick, sliced in half
    • ½ inch piece ginger, grated or crushed
    • 1 ½ teaspoon tea leaves, I love Wagh Bakri
    • ⅓ cup organic whole milk, you use ½ cup for more milky

    Instructions

    • Heat up a pot of water on medium-high heat.
    • While the water comes to a simmer, use a mortar and pestle to crush the spices - clove, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. We will add the cardamom at the end.
    • Once the water simmers, add the crushed spices.
    • Grate the ginger directly into the pot of water. This helps the juices of the ginger fall in which adds a lot of flavor.
    • Reduce heat to medium. Bring the water to a boil - about 1-2 minutes.
    • Once the flavors start to boil and the color changes slightly, add the tea leaves. Boil for 30-60 seconds max.
    • Immediately after, add the milk.
    • Pull the tea a few times to help mix all the ingredients.
    • Bring the tea to a boil, make sure the tea doesn't overflow so stay close. Add the cardamom at this time.
    • Once the tea comes to a boil. Turn off the gas. Cover with a lid for one minute.
    • Strain the tea into a glass/mug. If you require sugar, add it directly to your tea. Enjoy with a digestive cookie - it's my favorite way to enjoy tea these days.

    Notes

     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 49mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Chai, Tea
    Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking!

     

     

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Neha says

      April 09, 2019 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this Nisha and it's amazing!!! Thank you for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        April 09, 2019 at 9:08 pm

        Thanks Neha. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Yay! 🙂

        Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        October 30, 2019 at 7:00 pm

        Thanks so much Neha. So glad you enjoyed my Kadak Masala Chai. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sonali Ankola says

      April 10, 2019 at 9:13 am

      5 stars
      I always wondered why my tea came out slightly bitter. I didn’t realize I was boiling it WAY more than needed. This makes so much more sense now! ?? I wish I had this recipe years ago. Totally sharing this. Thanks Nisha! ❤️

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        April 10, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        OMG Sonali!!! I was making the same mistake, sometimes I was over boiling, other times just made it in time. Glad I asked my sister. Let me know if you make it and how it turns out. Hope it works. Thanks so much! <3 🙂

        Reply
    3. Salma says

      April 18, 2019 at 9:57 am

      I will have to try some of your tips. Your chai always looks so good!

      Reply
    4. Indy Godhia says

      September 21, 2019 at 9:11 pm

      5 stars
      A terrific recipe!! Love all your tips. Thanks for sharing. Gup shup and great chai are the ingredients for great family times and everlasting memories.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        October 07, 2019 at 2:43 am

        Thank you so much Indy. So glad you enjoyed this. I love a cup of strong Indian tea. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Rinku says

      November 08, 2019 at 9:43 am

      I have made tea for me and family from years but I never knew why my chai didn’t have cardamom flavor like it should - loved your recipe and my tea was not bitter and flavorful! Thank you soo much for all yummy recipes! ❤️❤️

      Reply
    6. Dhruti Patel says

      December 29, 2019 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      I am not a chai fan. I grew up in family where my parents day begins with chai but I never liked the taste of it. I started following honeywhatscooking and in her posts she always made chai and I decided to give a try with all her tips. Since than I am in love with chai. Thank you so much!! You changed my perspective about chai.

      Reply
    7. Sonia says

      March 13, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      soooo good! I've tried so many recipes and can't stand when most coffeeshops just use an overly sweetened mix. I love the spicy ginger and add extra black pepper too!

      Reply
    8. Amy says

      March 24, 2020 at 12:38 am

      5 stars
      I have been looking for the perfect chai recipe and loved this one! Great tips too!

      Reply
    9. Penny says

      April 15, 2020 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. It just brings back all good memories. I haven’t had good tea in a while, I use to do it all wrong. My husband who doesn’t even like tea, had tea with me just because it smelled so good when I was making it. Thanks again!!! Keep sharing these wonderful recipes?

      Reply
    10. Ritu says

      May 19, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      I was always over boiling the tea and just made it and hubby was like wow! He was like how did you make it so well this time! Haha. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        May 19, 2020 at 6:42 pm

        Awww, thanks Ritu. Your comment made my day. I really appreciate it. Don't worry, I learned from my sister. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jo says

      June 24, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      Hi! what brand of tea leaves do you use?

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 25, 2020 at 3:05 am

        Hi - Wagh Bakri.
        I thought I mentioned it in this post. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Sakshi says

      December 12, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      I am super late in posting this comment but this has been my go to recipe since months now! One fine random day in this pandemic I decided to try this and oh my.. it gave such a nice touch to my morning tea! So simple and so easy to manage in the morning! Thank you again for this amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        December 13, 2020 at 1:16 am

        Ahhh.. made my day - I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Monica says

      January 31, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      Nisha,
      I made this today and it was delightful. Just the kadak chai I love. Thanks for sharing this ❤️ one question about quantity
      Can you double and made a larger cup? This recipe I made 1/2 cup for me

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        February 01, 2021 at 12:36 am

        Hi Monica, Absolutely you can. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Jonathan says

      February 20, 2021 at 9:20 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing, exactly the taste i was after. Better tea i ever had!

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        February 21, 2021 at 2:17 am

        HI Jonathan, You are so welcome. I'm so glad to hear that. 🙂

        Reply
    15. Tina says

      May 09, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is perfect! I spent way too much time to make tea till I tried this recipe. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        May 10, 2021 at 1:58 am

        Thanks Tina. So appreciate it! Hope you try more recipes. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Susan Rooney says

      August 13, 2021 at 7:59 pm

      4 stars
      Thanks for providing the good recipes. You might want to consider providing a printer friendly version.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        August 16, 2021 at 11:41 am

        If you go to the recipe card, there is an option to print. That will just print the recipe card with the ingredients and directions. Hope that helps.

        Reply
        • Susan Rooney says

          August 18, 2021 at 7:36 pm

          4 stars
          Thank you!

          Reply
    17. NYCLadki says

      February 06, 2022 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      My hubby said unbelievable chai!!!! The flavor is incredible!!! The only thing I didn’t do is add cinnamon and I didn’t have leaves so I used bags!!! You have his seal of approval!! I usually just add pieces of ginger and some cardamom but this recipe made a big difference in the flavor! Thank you!!! 💜🙏🏼💜

      Reply
    18. Lisa says

      March 05, 2022 at 9:07 pm

      Have you ever tried this with oat milk?

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        March 05, 2022 at 10:08 pm

        Yes, it's good. I recommend heating up the oat milk separately and then adding it to the strained chai.

        Reply
    19. Ritu Mehta says

      March 01, 2023 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      This has to be the best Masala Chai recipe I've ever tried. I love it how I can feel the flavors go down my throat. Just what we need on a cold rainy day. The tip to not over boil the tea leaves is spot on. Thanks, Nisha, for teaching me how to make the best masala chai. My guests are always so impressed, and I refer them to this incredible Chai recipe.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nisha! I'm a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the way, I inspire you to eat better.

    More about me →


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