WHAT SPICES TO PUT IN TEA

These are, of course, the essential Chai spices for masala tea.

But if you visit remote places in the country, you will find a couple of more additions in their versions.

Some communities don’t even use some of the popular spices mentioned in the above list.

On the other hand, the private manufacturers also make their own blends with different ingredients and proportions.

So, you will always come across various recipes of the Chai Spice mix in India.

Now, let’s take a look at the individual spices from the above list and see how they contribute to the Chai masala mix.

1. Ginger or Dried Ginger

Ginger is the most essential spice for making a perfect tea spice mix.

It brings spiciness and warmth to the masala.

If you like using fresh ginger while brewing your tea, you should limit the usage of dried ginger in your spice mix.

Otherwise, you may increase the quantity in the recipe.

Also, if you are using fresh ginger, you should prepare this masala at the time of brewing your tea.

If you want to store it for a long time, you should consider using dried ginger only.

Note – Do not skip this spice from your recipe.

2. Cardamom

Cardamom is another essential spice in the making of Chai masala.

And primarily, you can’t make a Chai spice mix without Green Cardamom pods.

Cardamoms come under the category of aromatic spices.

It brings a soothing flavor and aroma while preparing tea at home.

So, don’t skip this spice as well.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not as important as the other two spices mentioned above.

However, it still helps in getting the quintessential Indian masala flavor to the spice mix.

Also, you won’t need it in large quantities.

Cinnamon can be an overpowering ingredient in the mix.

So, I’d suggest you use it sparingly.

You can also remove it entirely from your list of spices if you don’t like the Cinnamon flavor in your tea.

4. Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds play a big role in the preparation of Chai Masala.

It cuts down the sharpness of hot spices, which include Black Pepper, Ginger, and Cloves.

It is also an aromatic spice, which helps in getting the light and soothing flavor to your cup of tea.

Can I skip this spice?

No, do not skip this one!

Apart from Ginger Powder and Cardamoms, Fennel Seeds is a must-have ingredient for the Chai masala recipe.

5. Black Pepper

As you know, Black Pepper is one of the most popular spices in India.

It is often used to make spicy curries and other such preparations.

Accordingly, Black Pepper should be used as a spice that brings warmth and spicy taste to this spice mixture.

If you don’t like too much spiciness, you can add only a couple of peppercorns to the whole mixture.

But always make sure you use at least a few of them in the recipe.

6. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is an aromatic spice.

It imparts a nice fragrance to the spice powder and also helps in lowering the strong flavors of other spices.

Like Cinnamon, Nutmeg can be an overpowering spice.

So, you shouldn’t be using it in large amounts.

Even a half piece of Nutmeg is more than enough, especially if you are preparing the spice mix for home use.

7. Saffron

Saffron is known to offer beautiful yellow-orange color and pleasing aroma to the sweet dishes and Biryanis.

But it also works great for making different types of tea.

If you are making tea spice mix for home use, make sure you add some Saffron strands to it as well.

It will make your tea more pleasant and balanced.

Of course, it’s not as fragrant as some of the other spices mentioned in this guide, but it’s still good enough to leave its mark in the aftertaste.

Having said that, Saffron is an optional spice in this spice mix.

Also, many brands don’t use this spice in their Chai spice, as it’s one of the most expensive spices in the world.

However, if you can get your hands on this spice, do use it in your preparation.

8. Lemongrass

Dry Lemongrass is an excellent ingredient, which can take your spice mix to the next level.

It imparts a slightly citrusy flavor to the tea mix.

And there is no other spice in this Chai spice list that can get such a refreshing flavor to the preparation.

However, it is an optional ingredient.

If you can’t find Lemongrass in any form, there is no need to worry.