Authenic Village Chai

spicyperspective's Note:

Chai IS the lifeblood of India. Served in scant shot glasses from dawn until way past dusk, this beverage is EVERYWHERE you look. It's in little make-shift cafes, sold from chai-wallahs at every bus station, train station and street corner...brewing in every home.

• Total Time: 5 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 ¼ cups water
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 4 cardamom pods , cracked
• 4 black tea bags
• 2 cups light cream
• ¼ cup sugar

Directions:

1. Press your fingernail into the cardamom pods to crack them. Bring the water, tea, star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom to a boil.
2. Boil for 3-5 minutes until the tea is very dark and has reduced to about 2 cups. Strain and add the sugar. Add the milk and stir until hot.
3. Place the (used) cardamom pods in the bottom of the cups for good friends!
4. Makes 4 American-sized servings or 12+ Indian-sized servings!