Chai and flavored milk are classic Indian drinks that have recently gained great popularity in the United States. Many ready made mixes can be found today at grocery stores or coffee shops, but you can make your own hot drinks with a few simple ingredients. The benefits of homemade drinks are fresh ingredients and an authentic taste. Not to mention, it takes less time to make at home than going to your local coffee shop!

Chai and flavored milk also have ingredients that are beneficial to your health. Ginger and cardamom have been used in Asian medicine as a digestive aid for thousands of years. 

Try out these easy recipes and take a relaxing break from your busy day!

Masala Chai (Spiced Indian Tea)
4 servings

Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups milk (2 % reduced fat or half and half)
½ teaspoon ground cardamom 
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon grated ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoon loose tea (preferably Brook Bond brand, found in Indian grocery stores, but any loose tea will do)
4 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:
Combine water and milk in a pot and put over medium heat. Add cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. Bring milk to a low simmer for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from heat. Add loose tea, and then cover pot for about 5 minutes. Pour tea into each cup using a strainer and then add 1 teaspoon sugar to each cup (adjust as desired). Stir each cup and serve.

Tip: All of the ingredients in this recipe can normally be found in the regular grocery store. Look in the gourmet spice section for cloves and cardamom. Ginger is normally found in the vegetable aisle.


Garam Doodh (Hot Flavored Milk) 
4 servings

Ingredients:
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 pinches saffron
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons sugar
1 banana

Instructions:
Put milk in a pot over medium heat. Use your fingers to crumble the saffron. Add saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon to pot. Let simmer for about 10 minutes. While milk is simmering, mash banana into a pulp. Remove milk from heat and add mashed banana.
Pour milk into four cups and add ¾ teaspoon sugar (adjust as desired) to each cup. Stir each cup and serve.

Tip: This is a great drink for children. Serve by itself or put it in cereal.


Copyright © 2006 Rajni Hatti. All rights reserved.



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