Tea-Chai Masala

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Every Tea Lover in India has their own version of masala tea. Using a premade spice mix is also a very popular rand easy way to make masala tea. 

Ingredients and Proportions:


The general ingredients are as follows:
  1. Fennel Seeds - 1 Tbsp
  2. Green Cardamom - 1 Tsp
  3.  Black Pepper - 1 Tsp
  4. Cinnamon Sticks -1 inch stick
  5. Cloves - 5 pieces
  6. Dried Ginger - 2 inch Piece
  7. Saffron - 1 inch
  8. Salt - 1 pinch

Tea Masala is made in two major variations that one for winter & one summer. I will tell you what to change in each version at the end but first lets play taste maker !!

Procedure:

The procedure after calculating & collecting all of the above ingredients in required mentioned proportions is quite simple. We have to dry roast the ingredients in a pan just enough to relieve them of their moisture. Dry roasting also helps in releasing the flavorful essential oils in the spices and makes them easy to grind. Try not to over roast the ingredients as this depletes the essential oils in them and you will be left with a bowl dust instead of a aromatic masala.

Now we have to wait till the whole spices are completely cooled naturally. When they are completely cooled, grind the ingredients to a fine powder in a grinder with at least a 600W motor for proper grinding. And thus your awesome Masala is ready.

Pro Tips:
  • Add a little salt to the whole spices before grinding (this will help with heat generated during grinding and avoid overheating which can lead to loss of essential oils).
  • In winter you may increase the quantity of Fennel seeds.
  • In summer you may increase the quantity of Dried Ginger.
  • Do not forget to put the ground powder in an airtight jar.

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