Sanjana’s Grandpa’s Masala Chai

By: SANJANA SHARMA

Ingredients:
(Yield: 2 Cups)

• 1.5 tsp Loose-leaf black tea leaves.
• 2 tsp Brown sugar
• 3 cardamom pods
• 3 cloves
• Thin slice of ginger
• Milk
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat one cup of water in a pot on medium heat.
   (Just use the cup/mug you will drink the tea in!)
2. Add tea leaves, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Lightly smash the ginger and cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle. Add them to the pot as well and give it swirl.
3. Bring the tea and spices to a boil for a few minutes until the brew is fragrant and dark in color.
4. Add one cup of milk to the pot.
5. Let the tea brew for a few minutes until the color changes from a pale brown to a darker, rich brown and the tea is boiling. Once the tea is boiling, lower heat to a simmer for a few minutes to get all the beautiful flavors of the spices (Don’t rush this step!! If it does not change color after a few minutes, add some more tea leaves here).
6. Once the color is dark brown, pour the tea over a strainer and serve!