A Brew For The Spirit - your own Masala Chai
Nigiri will inspire you with its beautiful fragrance with the scent of lush greenery. Each sip is a journey inviting one to take a breath and appreciate the moment.
Masala chai, that enchanting fusion of spice and warmth, transcends the realm of mere beverage; it is a journey unto itself. Yet, the quest for the perfect cup often ends in disappointment – that bitter astringency that lingers long after the last sip…. And that’s not my cup of tea. Not with Nigiri tea. Its unique variety, low in tannins, allow for a bolder, more nuanced chai experience, one where simmering with spices and milk doesn’t lead to harshness, but rather a deeper, richer, more soothing embrace.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Tea: 2 teaspoons Nilgiri black tea leaves (or more, to taste – Nilgiri’s low tannins allow for a more forgiving brewing process)
Water: 1 cup of wate
Milk: 2 cups of milk (full-fat is preferred for richness)
Sweetener:
1-2 tablespoons jaggery
Jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar, adds a unique caramel-like sweetness and richness that refined sugar can’t replicate.
Spice:
2-3 pods of green cardamom, lightly crushed (for aromatic sweetness)
2 to 3 whole cloves (for flavour and aroma)
1 stick of cinnamon (for a delicate, sugary flavour)
Optional spices:
A sprinkle of black pepper (for a slight kick)
A small piece of fresh ginger (for zing)
A few fennel seeds (for digestive benefits)
A pinch of nutmeg (for warmth and complexity)
A star anise (for liquorice notes)
Choose your adventure!
Here are the steps
1. Infuse the magic:
In a small saucepan, combine water, tea leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for at least 5 minutes, or even longer – the longer it simmers, the stronger and more flavourful your chai will become, without the bitterness.
Feel free to add your chosen optional spices during this simmering phase.
2. Milky embrace:
Add the milk to the saucepan. Continue to simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and deepen.The longer you simmer, the richer and creamier your chai will become.
3. Sweeten the deal:
Stir in the jaggery, ensuring it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
4. Strain and savour:
Remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve into your favourite mug. Enjoy the rich, aromatic warmth, savouring each sip.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experiment to discover your own perfect balance of spice and warmth.
The beauty of Nilgiri tea lies in its forgiving nature, letting you explore the full spectrum of masala chai without the fear of bitterness. So, gather your spices, allow them to simmer and discover your special Nilgiri masala chai.