1tablespoon ginger root, fresh, grated and peeled or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
½teaspoon ground cardamon
⅛teaspoon ground cloves
⅛teaspoon black pepper
1stickcinnamon
2½cupswater
1tablespoon black tea leaves or 2 teabags
2½cupsmilk or coconut milk
2tablespoonshoney
1pinchsaffron, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Combine the ginger root, cardamom, cloves and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Fill a saucepan with water; bring to a full boil. Place the loose tea or tea bags and cinnamon stick in the water. Stir in the spice mixture. Reduce to simmer.
Steep for about 5 minutes, or longer for a strong, rich tea flavor.
Remove the tea and cinnamon stick.
Add the milk. Continue to simmer until the chai is heated through, stirring gently.
Use a strainer to pour the chai into your favorite mugs. Add honey to taste and sprinkle with a couple of threads of saffron if desired.