Starter recipe · Editorial template
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Masala Chai, Batch Logic
Not a single sacred formula — how most kitchens actually scale chai for mornings, guests, and the second boil.
Pan-South Asian
- chai
- beverage
- technique
Masala chai is one of the few recipes where arguing is part of the tradition. Some kitchens want a strong ginger bite; others prioritize cardamom perfume. This template focuses on proportions you can scale.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Serves
- 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cupwater
- 1 cupwhole milk
- 2 tspAssam or CTC black tea
- 1-inch piecefresh ginger — crushed
- 2green cardamom pods — lightly cracked
- to tastesugar
Method
- Simmer water with ginger and cardamom for 3–4 minutes.
- Add tea leaves; boil briefly until color deepens.
- Add milk and sugar. Return to a rolling simmer, then pull from heat before boil-over.
- Strain into cups. Serve immediately — chai waits for no one.