Homemade Chai Masala

What is Chai Masala

Chai Masala, also known as chai spice blend is a mixture of spices that flavor traditional Indian chai. The specific blend of spices can vary, but common ingredients include green cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon. These spices are typically ground and mixed in varying proportions to create a fragrant and flavorful blend. Chai masala powder is often added to black tea, milk, and sugar to create the popular beverage, Masala Chai.

Making homemade spice blends is the best way to achieve authentic Indian flavors and you can also customize the flavors to your liking. Just like Garam Masala, each family in India has their version of Chai Masala and the way they like to make their Masala Chai.

Although you can grind spices each day as you are making your chai, making a small batch of the chai masala spice blend comes in super handy on busy mornings. The chai spice blend stays good for a few months and also makes a perfect homemade hostess gift!

Love experimenting with homemade spice blends? Try my Biryani Masala, Chana Masala Spice blend, Vindaloo Spice Mix, Sambar Powder, and EASY Garam Masala Recipes.

Ingredients for Chai Masala

This recipe uses a few Essential Indian Spices for an invigorating flavor, taste, and aroma.

• Green Cardamoms (Elaichi) - adds sweet floral flavor and aromas
• Cloves(Laung) - adds spicy flavor and a hint of sweetness
• Whole Black Peppercorns(Kali Mirch) - adds heat and depth of flavor
• Cinnamon(Dalchini) - for warmth and sweetness
• Fennel Seeds(Badishep) - adds a slightly sweet, herbal taste.
• Dry Ginger Powder(Sonth Powder) - for a spicy kick and warmth
• Nutmeg(Jaiphal) - adds aromas, warmth and depth

How to Make Homemade Chai Masala

• Add all the whole spices except ground ginger to the spice grinder jar. Grind until the spices are ground finely. Add ground ginger and give a good mix.

Storing

Store in an airtight glass container away from direct sunlight for up to two months.

How to Use Homemade Chai Masala

Add half a teaspoon of chai masala for one cup of tea. You can add more or less to your taste preference. I also like to add fresh ginger and lemon grass when available. You can also add dry rose petals, mint, or tulsi along with chai masala.

Chai Masala can also be used to add a touch of spice to baked goods like cookies and cakes.

Tips for Making Perfect Chai Masala

1. Use good quality, fresh whole spices.
2. Break the cinnamon stick lightly using a mortar and pestle before adding it to the spice grinder.
3. You can add fresh ginger to the tea and skip ginger powder from the chai masala if you like.
4. Add more or less of the chai masala powder to your tea and boil it for a longer time in water along with tea leaves for more Kadak(strong) chai.

Are you a chai lover like me? Find all of my favorite Chai Essentials (saucepan, teapot, strainer, tea cups, tea leaves, and spices) on Amazon.

More Indian Drink Recipes

• Ginger Tea
• Lemon Ginger Tea
• Turmeric Milk
• Masala Doodh
• Kadha