A delightful twist on the classic chai, this recipe combines aromatic spices with creamy milk for a comforting beverage.
Crush the black pepper, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves using a mortar and pestle.
Crushing the spices releases their essential oils, enhancing the flavor of the tea.
In a saucepan, combine the water and the crushed spices. Bring to a gentle boil.
Boiling the spices in water helps to extract their flavors effectively.
Add the tea bags and the seeds scraped from the vanilla pod to the saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the tea and vanilla to infuse into the spiced water.
Pour in the milk and heat gently, ensuring it doesn't boil. Stir occasionally.
Heating the milk gently prevents it from curdling and keeps the tea smooth.
Strain the tea into cups to remove the spices. Sweeten with honey to taste.
Straining ensures a smooth tea, free of spice residues.
Serve the tea warm, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a vanilla pod.
Serving the tea warm enhances its comforting qualities.