Better Chai from a Chai Tea Bag

Kitty Z's Note:

The directions on my chai tea bags say, "steep 3-5 minutes, then add milk." The result is not very good; it's watery and not spicy at all. This recipe is my "rescue" for chai tea bags. It's not exactly chai like you get in India, but it's closer at least!

• Total Time: 12 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 1

Yield: 1.0 cup

• 1 chai tea bag (I use Trader Joe's)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk (whichever milk you prefer, I just like skim)
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional) or 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Place water and tea bag in a small saucepan over high heat.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about ten minutes, until the water is reduced by half. If less than 1/2 cup of water remains after ten minutes, just top up with more water.
3. Remove tea bag and stir in milk and honey or sugar. Allow the chai to just return to a boil, then pour into a mug and serve.
4. Note that if you let chai sit for too long, it will form a "skin." This is normal, but if you'd rather not have it, periodically stir your chai while you enjoy it.

Reviews

[~Leslie~]

Excellent method for a pretty authentic tasting Chai! Thanks for posting, this is the way I will always make Chai in the future :)

[Chef #1144987]

So easy, yet satisfying. I have been heating the milk separately in the microwave and then mixing with the chai and sweetener. Two different brands of chai tea bags have been great. This was a terrific tip!

[Orchard]

Delicious. Thank you. This makes me happy. :)