Desi Chai
Embracing Heritage, One Sip at a Time
Name - Desi Chai
Sanskrit Name – देशी चाय
English Name – Desi Tea
History
Desi Chai, meaning “traditional tea” in Hindi, traces its origins to the tea culture deeply ingrained in Indian households and street vendors. It represents a humble yet cherished beverage that has been enjoyed across generations. Desi Chai typically blends robust black tea with milk and spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, and sometimes even a hint of cinnamon or black pepper, creating a rich and aromatic brew.
Why Desi Chai is Essential to Our Menu
How to Prepare the Perfect Cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or your preferred type)
- 2-3 teaspoons loose black tea leaves or 2-3 black tea bags
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped or grated
- 4-5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 4-5 whole black peppercorns
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Optional Ingredients:
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of fennel seeds
Preparation Method
Prepare Spiced Water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the chopped ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and whole black peppercorns. Add any optional spices like nutmeg or fennel seeds if desired. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add Tea Leaves: Add the black tea leaves or tea bags to the spiced water. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the brewing time based on how strong you prefer your tea.
Add Milk and Sugar: Pour in the milk and add sugar according to your taste preference. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the chai simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil over.
Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh strainer into cups or a teapot to remove the tea leaves and whole spices.
Serve Hot: Pour the hot Desi Chai into cups and serve immediately. Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful experience of homemade Desi Chai with the added warmth of black pepper, complementing the spices and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
