Simple and Authentic Pakistani Chai
Chai is an extremely popular beverage among Pakistanis. It is not only a dose of much needed caffeine but a desired way to relax, a source of entertainment. Chai by definition means tea and this tea is more than just a beverage for all South Asians. It can be found in streets of Pakistan and India in beautiful artistic ways. And also in traditional homes as a form of reception and comfort for guests and family. My favorite way of enjoying this simple Pakistani Chai is using the recipe below.
I won’t call myself a Chai-fanatic but that definitely doesn’t mean I don’t love Chai with all my heart. Especially if it’s made the way this recipe suggests. Chai has that perfect amount of caffeine that not only gives me that perfect boost of energy but also helps eliminate that ugly crash we all hate.
Usually I start my day with coffee and have chai around 4 PM, because this is when I’ll find some time to relax and re-energize. If you’ve had a long day and need a stress reliever but also need to get all those tasks fully checked off your list then try this method.
Take just 15 minutes to yourself, sit down and relax with a cup of this Chai. Not only you’ll feel calm and relaxed but you’ll also notice that you feel refreshed and energetic. At the same time, you will be ready to take on rest of those tasks on your checklist. The reason behind this perfect balance of energy and relaxation is a water soluble Amino acid called L-theanine. This substance is found almost exclusively in tea leaves and interestingly enough, it can now be found in a pill form at your local drugstore as well.
Why is Chai a stress reliever?
Let’s talk about L-Theanine. Although, more research needs to confirm the health benefits from L-theanine, there is some evidence that this substance therefore Chai can benefit people’s physical and mental health.
Research shows that a cup of Chai can instantly lift up your mood, improve your focus and also help relieve your day to day stress. L-Theanine can also be found in many tea leaves such as Matcha, Green Tea and Black tea and even though I love all these types of tea, L-theanine has its own magic when consumed in black tea. Especially when mixed with just the right amount of milk. Drinking a cup of this lowers levels of a stress hormone called cortisol and helps with anxiety. How amazing it that! Click here if you’d like to read more about L-Theanine and its benefits.
My Method of Making this Authentic Pakistani Chai
There’s several ways to make Chai. There is probably 5 of these methods that I can already think of that are used just amongst my family. My favorite way is with whole milk and also powdered milk. The trick is the right amount of milk and also some coarsely grounded whole spices that I use. The amount of milk is super important to me because I really don’t like drinking Chai that will make me feel full and bloated. In other words , I a not a fan of super milky Chai. The whole spices on the other hand taste so refreshing and add an enhanced flavor to the Chai without overpowering it.
Chai is made in a stages of simmer and boil over the course of 10 to 15 minutes depending on the volume. I start with boiling milk or powdered milk and water along with the whole spices.
I prefer using powdered milk over whole milk if I’ve had a heavy meal and want a lighter version of this Chai. Powdered milk is also super nutritious and has some really great benefits. I also love the fact that cleaning the Chai pot is the easiest when powdered milk is used instead of whole milk.
Once milk comes to boil , the loose tea leaves are added and the mixture is then simmered for a few minutes until it starts boiling again. Then I like to change the heat to medium high. This is when I will take my time to ladle tea in and out of the pot to create foam. This enhances the flavor by letting the Chai cook over high heat without boiling over. After a few minutes, it’s time to add sugar or your favorite sweetener. Strain into the mugs using a small sieve.
Tips for this Simple Chai Recipe
- I always suggest straining out your Chai immediately to avoid a bitter taste from the stewing tea leaves.
- If you plan to use powdered milk instead of whole milk. I find that 1.5 tablespoons is good enough for 1 cup of Chai.
- Add sweetener while Chai is in simmer stage on the stove to easily homogenize.
- Use the same cup or mug that you will be serving this Chai in for measuring the whole milk and water for perfect amount of Chai.
Be sure to comment under this recipe, share and tag. I always enjoy reading your feedback.
Simple & Authentic Pakistani Chai
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Water
- 1 cup Whole Milk 3 Tbsps if using powdered milk
- 3-4 Cardamom Pods slightly cracked
- ½ inch Cinnamon stick coarsely grounded
- 2-3 Cloves coarsely grounded
- 2.5 tbsp Loose Black Tea Leaves (Lipton)
- Sweetener per desire
Instructions
- Heat a medium sized saucepan.
- Add 1.5 cups water on medium heat.
- Add 1 cup whole milk.
- Add 3-4 slightly opened cardamom pods.
- Add 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves and bring to boil on high heat.
- Add 2.5 tablespoons loose tea leaves. Set heat to low for 2-3 minutes.
- Using a ladle or a metal measuring cup, ladle chai back and forth into the saucepan to create foam.
- Bring chai to boil again on high heat.
- Strain chai through a small sieve into mugs. Enjoy!
I have made this chai recipe once a day ever since you posted it on Instagram, it is DELICIOUS and my new fave way of making chai! Thank you! Xx
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! Im so happy you’re enjoying it 🙂