Ginger-Cardamom Tea | Adrak-Elaichi Chai

I've been a tea-drinker ever since I can remember.Of course,at home it shuffled between Coffee and tea since I believe amma makes out of this world Bru coffee,I always want a cup of tea for a real pep-me-up when I am tired or sleepy.Ajay being a true-blue tea lover meant it was the given choice of beverage in our house,any time.

I am not particular when it comes to the kind of tea I love.Amma makes a milky tea whereas my friend makes an awesome watery tea with just a dash of milk.I take the middle path adding equal amount of milk and water.Seriously,if it is tea,I am game.Since we have tea at least 2-3 times a day,I think of ways to make it taste different every time.

Adding masala,or cardamom or ginger is a great way to make the tea delicious.Though we do prefer plain tea in the mornings,for the evening chai,some spice is allowed:)Some Parle-G or Good day biscuits on the side is truly the icing on the cake!

Ginger-Cardamom Tea | Adrak-Elaichi Chai

Ingredients

Ginger - 1 small piece[about 1/2'],peeled and washed thoroughly
Cardamom - 2,whole
Milk - 1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Sugar - 2 tsp
Tea leaves - 2 tsp[I use Taj Mahal,always have-always will!]

Method

 
Crush together ginger and cardamom pods with a mortar and pestle.
 
In a saucepan add the crushed ginger-cardamom and water.Let it come to a boil.Add sugar to taste.
 
When it comes to a rolling boil add tea leaves.Simmer and add milk.
 
Let it simmer for 1 minute.Strain and serve.

Some tips to make the perfect cup of tea

• Add the tea leaves to the water only when it has come to a rolling boil.This makes sure all the flavour of the tea leaves gets released into the water.Some prefer to switch off the flame and cover the pan with a lid and let the flavours infuse,that is also a good method.
• I prefer adding equal amount of water and milk but you can add as much or as less milk as you prefer.
• Same goes with the sugar.Add or reduce according to your choice.You can skip adding the sugar while making the tea if you prefer adding it to your cup while serving.
• Do not simmer the tea for more than 1 minute as it will make the tea stronger and in turn bitter.Add 1 tsp of tea leaves per cup and simmer for 1 minute and you will get perfectly brewed tea.Not too strong and not too light.

Some snacks which pair perfectly well with a cup of tea -

• Pazham Pori
• Parippu Vada
• Torcettini
• Pappada Vada
• Bakery-Style Tea Rusk