Masala Chai: Indian Spiced Tea

Masala Chai or Spiced tea  has medicinal benefits for cold, sinus and itchy throat. It helps relieving congested sinus and soothes irritated throats.

Benefits of Tea:
Antioxidant
The antioxidant properties in tea are well known. Whether you choose black or green tea for your chai, you'll still benefit from a beverage rich in antioxidants.

Digestive Aid
Ayurveda asserts that poor digestion contributes to or causes many ailments. For that reason, strong digestion is vitally important. The Pacific College of Oriental medicine states that the basic spices in chai help stimulate, balance and support digestion. Cinnamon helps to calm the stomach and combat nausea and diarrhea. Ginger also soothes the stomach. Black pepper stimulates digestive fire as soon as it touches the taste buds. Cloves stimulate digestion. Fennel helps disperse flatulence.

Anti-inflammatory
With its powerful antioxidant properties, tea helps reduce inflammation. Chai/ tea's anti-inflammatory star is ginger. Ayurveda frequently recommends ginger for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Reduced Caffeine
Chai tea provides a robust, satisfying beverage that can substitute for some of your daily coffee consumption. Caffeinated tea has less caffeine than coffee, and decaffeinated tea has almost none. Having chai instead of coffee provides health benefits and satisfies the taste buds.
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/23035-health-benefits-chai-tea/

Ingredients: For approx. 2 servings

Spices (Masala):
Cardamom pods (elaichi) – 4
Cloves (laung)– 2
Cinnamon stick small (dalchini)– 1
Black pepper corns (kali mirch)- 6
Bay leaves (tej patta) – 2
Fennel seeds (saunf)– 1 tsp
Ginger root (adarak)– 1 inch crushed

Other ingredients:
Water – 2 cups
Loose Tea – 1.5 tbsp
Milk – 1.5 cups
Sugar/Honey/ Sugar Substitute – 2 tbsp

Method:

• Add all the above spices to water and boil for 3 minutes.
• Add loose tea to it. Boil for 2 more minutes.
• Now add milk and sugar/honey, bring it to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Strain the tea through tea-strainer in tea cups. Serve immediately.

Enjoy masala tea with your favorite snack.