Oh how we love it when it rains outside….. and we can just cosy up by the window with a cup of Chai. Chai is not just a beverage, it’s an emotion! It’s a warmth that embraces you; a cup that unites friends and families with stories. The spices, tea leaf, and milk all have a very nice and warm aroma, and are probably the best thing you need to feel very warm and cosy, especially on cold and rainy days. Regular chai works fine but handmade DIY Masala Chai is out of this world! It makes the monsoon season worthwhile and even prettier.

Well, what is actually Masala Chai? This is an Indian tea which involves steeping black tea and spices including ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon among others. Every component used in making Masala Chai for Monsoon has some role in that it contributes to the taste and healing properties that people find in this beverage. And the best part? You can enjoy this hearty Indian beverage sitting in Singapore – Shop for the ingredients at Waangoo, and relish each sip!

What’s in a Masala Chai for Monsoon?

Masala chai is a concoction of various herbs and spices that make the tea tasty but are very helpful in improving health during the chilly months which usually come with dampness. Let’s break down the magic ingredients:

• Black Tea: Black tea used as a base of every chai has many health benefits including antioxidants that support the cardiovascular system, improve digestion and provide a moderate dose of caffeine which is perfect to keep you warm during rainy days.
• Ginger: A root with properties that help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion, ginger kicks up the spice in your chai. It is also great when you need to calm your upset tummy, do away with nausea, keep the colds and coughs, which seem ever so present during the monsoon season, at bay.
• Cardamom: This spice is not only wonderful in taste, but also known to improve your digestion. Cardamom intake is good for reducing bloating and serves as a detoxifying factor to be included in your monsoon special Masala Chai.
• Cinnamon: A warming spice, cinnamon, also has the property of reducing blood glucose levels, boosting circulation and being rich in antioxidants. Its fragrant sweet woody note in chai makes it even more inviting to enjoy during the monsoons.
• Cloves: The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of cloves will protect you from infections that are rampant during the wet monsoon season. They also give a slightly spicy note to the tea which in turn augments the taste of the tea.
• Black Pepper: It may sound a little strange but black pepper adds a hint of heat to the tea and is good for metabolism boost. It is also good for the respiratory system, particularly when one is experiencing some congestion due to common cold.
• Fennel Seeds: These tiny seeds are not just for garnishing your food. They help in digestion, soothe the throat, and reduce bloating, making your masala chai benefits even more significant.

Each of these ingredients contributes to making masala chai for monsoon the perfect beverage to stay cosy and healthy, keeping those seasonal colds and lethargy away.

Karak Chai vs. Masala Chai: What’s the Difference?

You might have heard of karak chai, a strong tea popular in the Middle East, and wondered how it compares to masala chai. The key difference is in the ingredients and the way each type of tea is prepared. Karak chai is made with black tea, sugar, and milk, resulting in a bold and stronger flavour.

It’s often brewed for longer to make it "karak" (strong in Arabic and Hindi), but it doesn’t include the delicious blend of spices that defines masala chai. So while karak chai provides a hearty tea experience, masala chai offers a complex flavour profile with the added health benefits of the spices.

DIY Masala Chai Recipe: Let’s Brew!

Now that we know the ingredients and their benefits, it’s time to make your own DIY Masala Chai at home. The recipe is pretty easy and you can adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

Things you need to make your DIY masala chai

• 2 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of loose tea leaves
• 1-inch piece of crushed ginger
• 2-3 green cardamom pods, slightly crushed
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-2 black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
• 2 cups of milk (you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice

Preparing the monsoon special masala chai:

1. Boil the water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and fennel seeds if using. Let the spices simmer for 2-3 minutes so that the flavours infuse into the water.
2. Add the tea leaves: Once the water has absorbed the spices, add the black tea leaves. Let it boil for another 2 minutes. If you prefer a stronger tea, let it simmer for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the milk: Add the milk to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil again. Watch it closely to prevent the milk from boiling over. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want your chai.
4. Sweeten and strain: Add sugar or any sweetener you prefer, adjusting the quantity to your taste. Once everything has boiled together and your kitchen smells amazing, strain the tea into cups using a fine sieve.
5. Serve and enjoy: Your monsoon special Masala Chai is ready! Serve it hot with your favourite snacks like pakoras, biscuits, or even some light sandwiches for a perfect rainy-day treat.

Experience The Ultimate Monsoon Bliss with Waangoo!

There’s nothing like the joy of making your own DIY Masala Chai at home, especially when the rain is tapping gently on the windows and the world feels just a little cosier. Not only does masala chai offer a delicious escape from the chilly monsoon air, but the masala chai tea benefits—from improved digestion to enhanced immunity—make it a nourishing choice for the season.

Whether it is fresh and organic ginger or aromatic tea leaves and spices, to fresh milk and anything else you would need to make your chai, choose Waangoo for online grocery delivery in Singapore and enjoy!

So go ahead, brew yourself a cup, and savour the essence of monsoon in every sip!