The Origins of Chai Tea
The beloved beverage known as chai tea has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years in India. The word "chai" itself simply means "tea" in Hindi, originating from the Chinese word "cha." Traditionally, chai was not the sweet, creamy drink familiar to many today, but rather a simple brew of spices and herbs. According to ancient lore, the creation of chai was commissioned by a king in what is now India over 5,000 years ago as a healing beverage in Ayurveda. This original version did not contain black tea leaves, milk, or sweetener; instead, it was an aromatic blend of spices like ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper designed to invigorate and restore balance in the body.
Ooh La-La Chai Tea Recipe
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients:
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 cups nut milk
- 5 teaspoons black tea (use 1 tsp per cup, plus one extra for the pot) *
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced (no need to peel)
- 2 whole cloves
- 8 drops liquid stevia (optional, for sweetness, or use other sweetener of choice)
*A fine-cut black tea from Kerala, South India, is ideal. If that's not available, simply pulse-grind your preferred black tea in a coffee grinder for a stronger brew. You can also substitute with other teas like green, rooibos (caffeine-free with an earthy flavor), Argentinian mate, or peppermint for a twist.
Directions:
- In a pot, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the spices.
- Turn off the heat, add the black tea leaves, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a separate pot to remove the spices.
- Add the almond or coconut milk and sweeten with stevia if desired. On low to medium heat, warm the mixture gently without bringing it to a boil.
- Serve warm and enjoy with friends!
Variation: For an added kick and respiratory support, include 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns along with the other spices.
