The Art of Masala Chai

Spices should be steeped in boiling water for 10+ minutes, whereas teas should be steeped for 1-5 minutes, in hot to boiling water, depending on the type of tea. The chaiwallahs on the streets of India (remember Slumdog Millionaire?) make their chai by boiling water, adding the spice, then adding the tea later so it is extracted for a shorter time. They then add the milk and sugar before serving it to you for 2 rupees (4-5 cents). You can and should try making chai like this. However, realize that if you steep the spice in hot water for 5 minutes, then add the tea, the water may have dropped below the desired tea steeping temperature, unless you are preparing it on the stove top.

Element Spice has come up with a chai kit that allows you to make chai in a fun and ideal way. The spice and the tea come in separate containers. You steep the spice in one pot at the right time and temperature and at the same time steep the tea in another container at its right time and temperature. Then you mix the two liquids to achieve your ideal pot of chai.