Homemade Chai Masala

What is Chai Masala

Chai Masala, also known as chai spice blend is a mixture of spices that flavor traditional Indian chai. The specific blend of spices can vary, but common ingredients include green cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon. These spices are typically ground and mixed in varying proportions to create a fragrant and flavorful blend. Chai masala powder is often added to black tea, milk, and sugar to create the popular beverage, Masala Chai.

Making homemade spice blends is the best way to achieve authentic Indian flavors and you can also customize the flavors to your liking. Just like Garam Masala, each family in India has their version of Chai Masala and the way they like to make their Masala Chai.

Although you can grind spices each day as you are making your chai, making a small batch of the chai masala spice blend comes in super handy on busy mornings. The chai spice blend stays good for a few months and also makes a perfect homemade hostess gift!

Love experimenting with homemade spice blends? Try my Biryani Masala, Chana Masala Spice blend, Vindaloo Spice Mix, Sambar Powder, and EASY Garam Masala Recipes.

Ingredients for Chai Masala

This recipe uses a few Essential Indian Spices that offer various health benefits such as digestive support, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, Immune support, and blood sugar regulation in addition to invigorating flavor, taste, and aroma.

• Green Cardamoms (Elaichi) – good for digestion, managing blood sugar, and adds sweet floral flavor and aromas
• Cloves(Laung) – full of antioxidants, cloves add spicy flavor and a hint of sweetness
• Whole Black Peppercorns(Kali Mirch) – antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory black peppercorn adds heat and depth of flavor
• Cinnamon(Dalchini) –  antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness
• Fennel Seeds(Badishep) – good for digestive health, fennel seeds add a slightly sweet, herbal taste.
• Dry Ginger Powder(Sonth Powder) – good for digestive health ginger powder adds a spicy kick and warmth
• Nutmeg(Jaiphal) – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutmeg adds aromas, warmth and depth

How to Make Homemade Chai Masala

• Add all the whole spices except ground ginger to the spice grinder jar. Grind until the spices are ground finely. Add ground ginger and give a good mix.

Storing

Store in an airtight glass container away from direct sunlight.

How to Use Homemade Chai Masala

Add half a teaspoon of chai masala for one cup of tea. You can add more or less to your taste preference. I also like to add fresh ginger and lemon grass when available. You can also add dry rose petals, mint, or tulsi along with chai masala.

Chai Masala can also be used to add a touch of spice to baked goods like cookies and cakes.