Hello, chai lovers! ☕️ Today, we’re going to learn how to brew the perfect cup of masala chai, guided by a fantastic video from the YouTube channel “Food with Chetna.” The video, titled “MASTERCLASS IN CHAI | How to make the perfect masala chai | Indian style tea | Food with Chetna,” is a comprehensive guide to making this aromatic and warming Indian beverage.
Chetna Makan, the host of the video, is a well-known author and food enthusiast who appeared on the Great British Bake Off in 2014 and won the ‘Christmas bake off 2016’. She has published several books, and her YouTube channel is a treasure trove of quick and tasty recipes.
In this video, Chetna shares her secrets to brewing the perfect masala chai, a spiced tea that is a staple in Indian households. She starts by explaining the importance of using water and spices to create a flavorful base for the tea. She adds cloves, cardamom, and ginger to the water, crushing them slightly to release their flavors. She emphasizes the importance of boiling the water with the spices before adding the tea and milk, a step that ensures the full extraction of the spices’ flavors.
Chetna then moves on to the tea itself. She advises not to skimp on the tea leaves, whether you’re using tea bags or loose tea. She adds two teaspoons of strong loose tea to the boiling water and lets it simmer for a few minutes to allow the tea to infuse properly.
Next comes the milk. Chetna adds a splash of milk to the tea and brings it back to a boil. She points out that the color of the chai should be like a deep caramel sauce, a sign that it has been brewed correctly. She also shares a handy tip for those taking tea on picnics or outings: masala chai stays warm for a long time, making it an ideal beverage to take on the go.
Chetna also takes a moment to address a common misconception: the term “chai tea” is redundant because “chai” translates to “tea.” So, it’s simply “chai” or “masala chai.”
After straining the chai into cups, Chetna takes a moment to appreciate the aroma and taste of the freshly brewed masala chai. She admits to forgetting to add sugar initially but quickly remedies this, adding a teaspoon of sugar to her cup. She notes that you can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and some people even prefer their chai without any sugar.
This video is a must-watch for anyone who loves chai or is interested in trying their hand at making this traditional Indian beverage. Chetna’s clear instructions and helpful tips make the process easy and enjoyable.
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