Masala Chai Mix

Masala Chai Mix is a dry blend of cloves, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger designed to be added to brewed tea.

The whole and ground spices are toasted together in a dry frying pan for 3–4 minutes. Constant stirring keeps the spices aromatic without scorching them.

After cooling briefly, the toasted mixture is ground in batches and combined again before storage. The source recommends starting with 1/8–1/4 teaspoon per cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cardamom seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
• One 2-inch (5-cm) piece cinnamon bark, or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Method

Combine all ingredients in a dry frying pan over medium heat and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Grind the toasted spices in batches in a spice or coffee grinder, then mix the batches together and store in an airtight container. Use about 1/8–1/4 teaspoon per cup of tea, adjusting to taste. Makes about 1/4 cup.