Homemade Spiced Chai Tea Bags Recipe
Introduction
Experience the warm, spicy comfort of homemade chai with these easy-to-make chai teabags. This blend combines traditional spices and black Assam tea to create a fragrant and flavorful brew perfect for lattes or simple hot tea.
Ingredients
- 18 cardamom pods, cracked
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tbsp ground black pepper
- ½ nutmeg, grated
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 150g black Assam tea leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the cracked cardamom pods, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, grated nutmeg, and ground cloves in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the spices’ aromas.
- Step 2: Transfer the toasted spices to a bowl and mix thoroughly with the black Assam tea leaves.
- Step 3: Fill 18 empty teabags evenly with the spice and tea mixture, then seal each teabag securely.
- Step 4: Store the sealed teabags in an airtight jar until ready to use.
- Step 5: To serve, brew one teabag in 200ml of boiled whole or coconut milk for 5 minutes, then sweeten with honey to taste. Alternatively, steep the teabag in boiling water for a simple chai infusion.
Tips & Variations
- Use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon for a subtler, longer-lasting flavor.
- For a vegan chai latte, substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk.
- Add a pinch of saffron or star anise for an exotic twist.
Storage
Keep the sealed chai teabags in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to six months. To reheat, simply brew as directed; avoid microwaving the milk mixture to preserve the delicate flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make chai teabags without empty teabags?
Yes, you can brew the spice and tea mixture loose in a tea infuser or strain it after steeping if you don’t have empty teabags available.
How spicy is this chai blend?
This chai has a balanced spice level with warming notes of pepper and ginger, but it’s not overly hot. You can adjust the black pepper and ginger amounts according to your taste preferences.
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Homemade Spiced Chai Tea Bags Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 18 teabags 1x
Description
This homemade chai teabags recipe offers a fragrant and flavorful blend of traditional Indian spices combined with robust Assam black tea leaves, perfect for brewing a comforting chai latte or a simple spiced tea. The spice mix is toasted to enhance the aroma, then combined with tea leaves and packed into individual teabags for convenient brewing anytime.
Ingredients
Spices
- 18 cardamom pods, cracked
- 2 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tbsp ground black pepper
- ½ nutmeg, grated
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Tea
- 150g black Assam tea leaves
Instructions
- Toast the spices: Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat, then add the cracked cardamom pods, ground ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, grated nutmeg, and ground cloves. Toast them gently for 1 minute, stirring constantly until they release their aroma but do not burn.
- Combine spices with tea leaves: Transfer the toasted spices to a bowl and mix well with the black Assam tea leaves, ensuring an even distribution of spices throughout the tea blend.
- Fill the teabags: Using empty, food-safe tea bags, fill each with the prepared chai tea and spice mixture. Seal each teabag securely to prevent contents from spilling out.
- Store properly: Place the filled teabags in an airtight container or sealed jar. Store in a cool, dry place where they will remain fresh for up to six months.
- Brewing instructions: To make a chai latte, steep one teabag in 200ml of boiling whole milk or coconut milk for 5 minutes, then sweeten with honey to taste. Alternatively, brew the teabag in boiling water for a traditional spiced tea.
Notes
- Toast the spices gently to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Using whole spices broken or ground fresh enhances flavor compared to pre-ground commercial blends.
- Empty teabags can be purchased online or at specialty kitchen stores.
- Store in a sealed container away from moisture and sunlight to maintain freshness for up to six months.
- Adjust sweetness and milk type to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: chai tea, homemade chai, spiced tea, Assam tea, chai latte, Indian spices, diet tea bags
