Chai Masala and Chai Latte (Instant Pot or Stove Top)

Chai Masala and Chai Latte (Instant Pot or Stove Top)

This exotic Indian tea has become a coffee house favorite. It's so easy to make Chai at home! Using an Instant Pot or stove top you can enjoy it anytime and make it into a Chai Latte too.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 16

Total Time 21

Servings 1/2-cup servings (total yield: 2 cups)

Calories 82kcal

Author Toni Dash

Ingredients

Chai Masala

3 Black tea bags
2 cups water
½ cup milk whole milk recommended
2 Cinnamon sticks
1 1-inch piece fresh Ginger Root sliced, not peeled
4 Cloves
1 Star anise
5 green Cardamom pods cracked*
3 Tbsp honey or agave syrup

To make it spicier

1 2-inch piece fresh Ginger root sliced (instead of 1-inch listed above)
6 black peppercorns

To make Latte

1/2 cup Milk to froth per latte

Instructions

Instant Pot method

Set the instant pot on saute.
Heat the water and once it’s hot to the touch, add the tea bags. Steep for 4 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
Add the milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, star anise, cardamom and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes. Follow by a NATURAL RELEASE of 10 minutes; then manually release any remaining pressure.
Strain the spices out. Stir in the sweetener. Serve hot or chilled over ice.

Stove Top method

In a large sauce pan heat the water to almost a simmer (don't let it boil) and add the tea bags. Allow to steep for 4 minutes.
Remove and discard the tea bags.
Add the spices and milk. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until the flavor meets your preference.
Strain out the spices and serve.

To make a Latte

Add foamed milk on top.

Video

Notes

Note on Stove Top method for stronger flavor

For stronger flavor add the spices when adding the tea bags. Leave them in after the tea bags are removed when the milk is added.

How to crack Cardamom pods: they are fairly brittle and don't take much force. The goal is to open the pod to access the spice inside. Use the bottom of a flat glass or the side of a heavy kitchen knife to press down just to crack open the pod (not crush it).

How to froth milk for lattes (without an espresso machine): add warmed milk to a jar, seal and shake. Use an immersion blender or handheld frothing wand.

Cinnamon Whipped Cream:

Beat ½ cup heavy whipping cream with 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Beat it for 2 minutes until soft peaks form.

Nutrition information is for a serving of chai masala.

Nutrition