Homemade Chai Tea

A couple months ago, I was listening to a Bon Appetit podcast episode and they were talking about this delicious recipe for homemade chai tea - as soon as I got home, I did a google search and found the recipe they were talking about! I was amazed at its simplicity. It is easy and delicious and has become one of my favorite warm drinks.

  

1 1½-inch piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, coarsely grated

1 3-inch cinnamon stick, lightly crushed with the flat side of a knife

6 teaspoons loose strong black tea (such as Assam) or 6 tea bags (such as PG Tips)

14 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, or ¾ teaspoon cardamom seeds, lightly crushed

2¾ cups milk

¼ cup pure maple syrup

Bring ginger, cinnamon, and 3½ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Lower heat and simmer rapidly, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by a third and very fragrant, about 20 minutes.

Remove pan from heat, stir in tea and cardamom, and let steep 2 minutes.

Return pan to medium-high heat and stir in milk and maple syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally and keeping a close watch, until mixture begins to foam up and boil, about 5 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Strain chai through a fine-mesh sieve into a teapot or pitcher and serve.

(Recipe from Carli Lalli Music of Bon Appetit)