Masala Chai

This is a traditional drink of India and Pakistan. Make your own for a more authentic flavor. There are many variations of this drink. Posted for ZWT8 India

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  pieces cinnamon sticks
• 1  teaspoon cardamom seed
• 10  cloves, whole
• 5  cups water
• 1⁄4 cup  black tea leaves (or 3 teabags)
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 3  cups milk

Directions

1. Tie up the cinnamon, cardamon seeds and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and tie it with a string into a bag. Put the bag of spices into a pot with the 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the spices for 15 minutes.
2. Turn off the heat and put the tea leaves (or tea bags) into the hot spiced water and steep for 2-3 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth bag and strain the liquid thru a sieve to remove the tea leaves.
3. Add the milk, honey and vanilla to the strained chai. Serve hot, or cold over ice.