Chai I

This traditional Indian spiced tea is as much fun to make as it is to drink--and it is quick!

• Ready In: 7 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 2 cupa

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 2  teaspoons  loose black tea (preferably Indian)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  tea masala
• 2  cardamom pods
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1  tablespoon  peeled and sliced fresh ginger

Directions

1. Combine the water, tea, masala, cardamom, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the milk and the rest of the sugar. Add the ginger 1 to 2 minutes after that, or when the mixture is back to a simmer. Wait for 15 to 30 seconds and then strain the pot into 2 cups.
2. NOTE: The tea masala is a premade spice mixture of ground black pepper, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. It is available at most Indian food markets; you can also create your own, depending on your taste.
3. VARIATION: To make Chai I without milk and sugar, combine the water, tea, masala, and cardamom in a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the ginger, wait 15 to 30 seconds, and then strain the tea into 2 cups.