Rooibos Chai

NcMysteryShopper's Note:

Rooibos leaves, which are grown in South Africa, resemble tea leaves but come from a different plant and don't have any tannins. They have recently made an appearance on store shelves here. You can substitute black tea in this recipe; add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 cups water
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 slices fresh ginger, quarter-size, lightly smashed
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons loose rooibos tea leaves or 2 tablespoons black tea leaves

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pale rust colored, about 20 minutes.
2. Strain the chai through a fine sieve and serve hot.

Reviews

[UmmBinat]

4 1/4 stars. This is a pretty good chai that is lightly flavoured. I used rice milk to be dairy free and simmered everything in a bit less water for about 17 minutes, as simmering rice milk from previous experience makes it separate. I used dark brown sugar crystals for the sugar and do recommend brown. I had to use 2 Rooibos tea bags as I didn't have loose leaves. I think this needs more spice but I liked the amount of sugar which wasn't too sweet, just perfect. Made for Comfort Cafe - Snow Queens, Round 01/10.

[Kitchen Witch Steph]

I am sorry but this ended up being sort of flat...didn't have the depth of flavor that I am used to in a chai tea. Anything that I may have done wrong? I think I followed the recipe to a tee. Will have to think on it and maybe try another day. Thank you for posting. Made for ZWT4.

[Sarah in New York]

This was pretty good. I don't think I'll make it again, but I think that's just more of my personal preference. I love Chai tea, but this just wasn't what I expected. Made for ZWT 4.