This recipe makes the concentrate that can then be stored in a glass jar in the fridge. I take some out in the morning, mix in some almond milk and steam.
What you need:
- Six (6) cups of water
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced ginger
- Four (4) heaping tbs of cardamom pods (I stick my hand in the bag of pods and dump at least two handfuls in there) If you are using seeds that you want to maybe half the amount. - But really can you have too much cardamom?
- Four (4) cinnamon sticks (Again, I have a bag of bark so another 2 handfuls go in)
- Five (5) cloves
- Lemongrass - the special ingredient - chop about 2 inches of the root and add to the pot. Lemongrass even outs and softens the taste. It's quite lovely.
This is what I am using now, however if you want to play around with some other options:
- 1/4 tsp of black peppercorns
- One (1) tsp of vanilla **After it's off the heat are ready to jar**
- Four (4) organic black tea bags (or 6 tbs of loose black tea) - See instructions below - this is only if you want it caffeinated and the tea goes in at the end as well.
- Optional: Maple Syrup to taste
What to do:
-
If you don't have much time, here is a classic quick turnaround method. If you have the time or are at home all day and can have those spices simmering - check out option 2 below.
- In the water, add ginger, optional peppercorns, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks/bark. Bring to boil and then let simmer for at least 30 minutes. I like to take it to 45 minutes if I have the time.
- Add the cloves, let simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Add the black tea bags let simmer for 5 minutes
- Remove tea bags, stir and then turn off the burner.
- Add the vanilla last.
- Strain mixture into a class jar to refrigerate.
What to do - Option 2:
- In the water, add ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks/bark, cloves, and lemongrass.
- Bring to boil and then let simmer for the day or however many hours you have. Put the pot on low, somewhere between off and 3 if your stove does to 8 like mine. Bonus: the house smells like chai all day.
- Keep adding water periodically throughout the day to keep it at the 6 cups.
- Jar strained concentrate when warm. Refrigerate when cooled.
When making a cup I fill the cup about 2/3 full with concentrate and then add the oal milk. I steam this with my Breville, but you can also warm mixture in a pot on the stove and use a frothing device. Depending on how the batch turned out or if I have a sweet tooth, I may add a little maple syrup. ;)
I invite you to play with the ratios if you want the drink more gingery or peppery, etc.
Enjoy the warm hug!