Beverage: Chai

(The Hindi word for "Tea")

3 c. water

3 tsp. tea leaves**

4 green cardamom pods, crushed

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. milk

Combine water, tea leaves and cardamom and bring to a boil.  Add sugar and milk.  Return to a boil, strain and serve.  Makes 4 cups.

Masala chai (made for church in large batches):

3 c. water

3 tsp. tea leaves**

4 green cardamom pods, crushed

4 whole cloves

1 one-inch piece of stick cinnamon

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. milk

Combine water, tea leaves, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.  Bring to a boil.  Add sugar and milk.  Return to a boil, strain and serve.  Makes 4 cups.  Recipes can be scaled up or down.  If you scale them down, do not use less than 1 teaspoon of tea leaves as the flavor will not develop.

Recipe Note: ** Use CTC Tea.  You need a tea that can be brought to a boil and not get bitter.  I use Waugh Bakri.  Other alternatives include Brooke Bond Yellow Label, the Assam Tea (the flavor of this is not as rich as the other).  I shop at Patel Brothers in Kenny Center.

Ajay Massey

From the Kitchens of CMC

Columbus Mennonite Church

2004