Chai Tea Recipe: Tea is no longer just a beverage but an essential part of daily life for lakhs of people. For many, especially milk tea lovers, the day simply does not begin without a steaming cup in hand.
Skipping it can lead to irritability, headaches, and a sluggish mood. This is why the method of preparing tea has become a matter of debate, and the biggest question remains: should milk be added first, or after boiling water?
Experts suggest that both the flavour and aroma of tea depend heavily on how it is brewed. The right method ensures not only a perfect taste but also an irresistible fragrance that lingers across the room.
Right Base For Milk Tea
To prepare milk tea, start by boiling water in a pan. Adding mild spices such as black pepper, green cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, and sugar enhances the flavour. Allowing these to boil properly helps the spices release their natural aroma, doubling the taste of the tea.
The crucial step, experts say, is to add milk only after the water and spices have boiled. Adding milk at the start prevents the spices from infusing properly. Once the flavours are fully absorbed in the water, pour in the milk and let it simmer on low flame. This ensures the tea develops the perfect colour, strong aroma, and balanced taste.
Why Cover The Tea?
After turning off the flame, covering the tea with a lid for one or two minutes before straining makes a big difference. The steam gets locked in, enriching the flavour and giving the tea a stronger aroma.
More Than Just Taste
Milk tea is not just about taste but also health benefits. The caffeine provides an instant energy boost and helps beat fatigue. During colder months, strong tea with ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon can soothe a sore throat and even help strengthen immunity.
Tips For Perfect Tea
- Always use fresh milk and clean water.
- Lightly crush spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, or ginger to release more flavour.
- Adjust sugar to taste, or replace with jaggery for a healthier option.
- Avoid over-boiling as it can turn the tea bitter.
Milk tea is considered more than just a drink; it is an emotion that brings people together. Be it gossip with friends, casual meetings, or short office breaks, the phrase ‘let’s have tea’ has become a cultural connection point.
