Best 2 Fresh Ginger Masala Chai Recipes

Indulge in the aromatic and invigorating experience of homemade Fresh Ginger Masala Chai. This traditional Indian beverage combines the warmth of black tea with an infusion of aromatic spices and the zesty kick of fresh ginger. Our collection of recipes offers variations to suit every palate, from classic masala chai to unique twists like almond milk chai and vegan chai. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy texture or a lighter, dairy-free option, we have the perfect recipe for you. Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy to create this comforting beverage in the comfort of your own home.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FRESH GINGER MASALA CHAI

Fresh Ginger Masala Chai image

This masala chai recipe highlights the bright, citrusy and fiery notes of fresh ginger. Make this South Asian spicy milky black tea at home!

Provided by Leena Trivedi-Grenier

Categories Tea Drink Ginger Non-Alcoholic Cardamom Milk/Cream

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

4 tsp. finely grated ginger, peel on
32 green cardamom pods, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle
1 tsp. whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle
2 Tbsp. CTC Assam tea (like Red Label, Tea India, or 24 Mantra Organic)
3 cups milk, dairy or plant-based
4 tsp. sugar or jaggery, divided, or to taste

Steps:

Combine ginger, cardamom pods and seeds, peppercorns and 3 cups water in a 5-quart pot. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the tea and boil 4-5 minutes, until the water is dark brown.
Add the milk and return to a strong boil until it threatens to boil over, about 4 minutes. (Not all plant based milk will rise when it boils. If yours doesn't, let boil for 30 seconds before continuing with the recipe and lowering the heat.) Place a wooden spoon across the pot to avoid bubbling over. Reduce heat to low, then, when foam has settled, return to medium high heat. Continue to boil for a total of 10 minutes from the time that milk was added, until the liquid has reduced by ⅓ and has a deep tan color. If the foam continues to rise, lower heat slightly.
Remove from heat. Using a strainer, strain tea into 4 teacups. (For a frothy chai, pour the chai from one cup to another a few times until bubbles form.) Add about 1 tsp. sugar (or more to taste) per cup, and serve immediately.

DRIED GINGER MASALA CHAI

Dried Ginger Masala Chai image

This milky black tea mixes the sweet spiciness of dried ginger with piney-fruity-minty green cardamom and the brash, earthy heat of black pepper.

Provided by Leena Trivedi-Grenier

Categories Spice Ginger Tea Drink Drinks Hot Drink Non-Alcoholic Milk/Cream Cardamom

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

32 green cardamom pods, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. whole black peppercorn, coarsely crushed in a mortar and pestle
2 Tbsp. CTC Assam tea (such as Red Label, Tea India, 24 Mantra Organic, or Wagh Bakri)
3 cups milk, dairy or plant-based
4 tsp. granulated sugar or jaggery, divided, or to taste.

Steps:

To a 5-qt pot, add 3 cups water, cardamom pods and seeds, ginger, and pepper and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Then add tea and boil for 4-5 minutes until the water looks darker.
Add milk and let boil until the foam almost overflows the pot. (Not all plant-based milk will rise when it boils. If yours doesn't, keep it at a rolling boil for 30 seconds before continuing with the recipe.) Place a wooden spoon across the pot to avoid bubbling over, and lower heat briefly. When foam has settled, return to medium heat, continuing to boil for a total of 10 minutes from the time that milk was added, until the liquid has reduced by ⅓ and has a deep tan color. If the foam continues to rise, lower heat slightly.
Remove from heat. Using a strainer, strain tea into 4 teacups. (For a frothy chai, pour the chai from one cup to another a few times until bubbles form.) Add about 1 tsp. sugar (or more to taste) per cup, and serve immediately.
Variations
Swap or add in one or all of these spices to make a different cup of chai: 2 tsp. dried mint, 8 cloves (coarsely crushed), one 4-inch cinnamon stick (crushed into smaller pieces).

Tips:

Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a more intense and flavorful taste compared to dried or ground ginger.
Choose High-Quality Spices: Opt for whole spices, such as cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks, to ensure the freshest and most aromatic flavors.
Simmer Slowly: Allow the chai to simmer gently over low heat for at least 15 minutes to extract the maximum flavor from the spices and ginger.
Strain Carefully: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any sediment or spice particles from the chai before serving.
Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness of the chai by adding honey, sugar, or a natural sweetener of your choice.
Garnish Elegantly: Enhance the visual appeal of the chai by garnishing it with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a few slices of fresh ginger.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the comforting warmth and aromatic flavors of this Fresh Ginger Masala Chai. Made with a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ginger, and creamy milk, this chai is a perfect beverage to relish during cozy afternoons or as a soothing nightcap. Experiment with different spices and sweeteners to customize the chai to your personal preferences. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful beverage that combines the goodness of ginger and the traditional flavors of masala chai.