Chai

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 8 allspice berries
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 peppercorns
• 4 cups water
• 16 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 4 slices fresh ginger, lightly crushed
• 2 tea bags or 1 tablespoon black tea
• 1/2 cup milk (or to taste)
• 3 tablespoons honey (or to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   With a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind the cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves and peppercorns.

2. 2

   In a saucepan, combine the ground spices, water, cardamom pods and ginger.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the tea bags or loose tea in a tea ball to a teapot.

6. 6

   Return the spiced water to a boil and pour into the teapot.

7. 7

   Let steep for 2-3 minutes , then strain the tea and serve with milk and honey on the side.