Masala Chai: the Indian drink that helps against pain, digestion and nausea

Black tea, spices and milk make up the famous Masala Chai. But do you know how to prepare it with the original recipe and what are its properties?

Only recently what for a long time was a purely Indian traditional drink, Masala Chai, has reached the palates of the whole world. This was possible thanks to the large coffee chains , but by discovering the origins of this recipe, you will discover that it is very different from the one we have had the opportunity to try in the West. Masala Chai boasts a millenary tradition and is considered, due to its many properties, an Ayurvedic drink. Let's discover together the original recipe, the history and the properties of this elixir.

The origin of Masala Chai between history and legend

The birth of Masala Chai is lost in time. According to some it dates back to over 9000 years ago, while for others we have to go back in time “only” 5000 years. It is said that it was a king who requested its preparation, mixing spices and tea leaves to exploit its healing power . In fact, however, we have to get to 1800 and to the English domination to have more precise information.

In fact, the creation of tea plantations dates back to this period. However, it should be borne in mind that in those days the leaves so loved by the British were a luxury item , therefore not available to the local population. The few quantities available were mixed with spices, milk and large doses of sweetener and transformed into what is now known as Masala Chai.

In fact, the term Masala indicates any blend of spices , while Chai is tea . In India, in fact, the drink is known simply as chai and is served in small cups (or even in saucers to help it cool down) on all street corners and even on trains. No two chai will ever taste the same because a slight variation in spice proportions is enough to achieve different results.

Today, Indian Masala Chai has remained faithful to tradition, while the same cannot be said of the beverages served by Western cafes. Therefore, the only way to try authentic chai is to prepare it at home by following the advice we are about to give you!

How to make Masala Chai with the original recipe

1. First, lightly pound the cardamom seeds. If you don't have a mortar, you can crush them by placing a knife blade flat.
2. Put all the spices in a saucepan with the water , keeping the tea leaves aside and bring to the boil for the next 15 minutes.
3. Turn off the flame, add the tea leaves and leave them to infuse for 5 minutes.
4. Heat the milk separately.
5. Filter the tea and distribute it in four cups, then complete with the milk and sweeten to taste.

Masala Chai can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory dishes. Indians love to accompany it with very spicy savory fried foods, for example, but also with biscuits and sweets.

Masala Chai: properties

Being a blend of black tea (also green in some regions) and spices, the properties of Masala Chai vary. In general, according to the principles of Ayurveda, it is excellent for promoting awakening , thanks to the presence of caffeine; ginger and black pepper instead help digestion . Ginger is also credited with the ability to reduce the sense of nausea , relieve pain and reduce inflammation .

Ginger and cardamom then strengthen the immune system because above all the latter contains high doses of vitamin C. Spices are also attributed a strong antioxidant power, useful for counteracting cellular aging and fighting free radicals.

In short, sipping a cup of chai is not only a pleasure for the palate, but also a panacea for our body.

To discover other Ayurvedic drinks, try golden milk !

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