Jaggery Chai
A soulful Indian chai sweetened with unrefined jaggery instead of white sugar. The deep, caramel-like notes of jaggery pair beautifully with aromatic spices and robust tea, creating a cup that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1½ cupsWater
- 1 cupWhole milk
- 2 tspLoose black tea or 2 tea bags
- 2 tbspJaggery, grated or finely chopped
- 1 inchFresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 4-5Green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 2Black peppercorns
- 1 smallCinnamon stick
- FewFresh tulsi or mint leaves (optional)
Benefits
- ✦Jaggery is a natural, unrefined sweetener rich in iron and minerals
- ✦Ginger and cardamom aid digestion and reduce bloating
- ✦Black pepper enhances nutrient absorption and adds warmth
- ✦Antioxidants from tea and spices help fight oxidative stress
- ✦A healthier alternative to sugar-laden commercial chai mixes
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add ginger slices, crushed cardamom, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes until the water is fragrant.
Add the tea leaves or tea bags. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the tea darkens and releases its flavour.
Pour in the milk and bring the chai to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Add the grated jaggery and stir until completely dissolved. Let it simmer for another minute.
Strain the chai into cups through a fine mesh strainer. Garnish with a pinch of cinnamon powder or fresh tulsi leaves. Serve hot.
Tips & Notes
- ✦Grate jaggery finely so it dissolves quickly and evenly in the hot chai.
- ✦Adjust the jaggery amount to your taste — different batches vary in sweetness.
- ✦For a dairy-free version, replace whole milk with oat or almond milk.
