Most chai recipes treat cardamom as a background note, a pinch tossed in with cinnamon and clove and forgotten. This recipe does the opposite: cardamom leads, and everything else supports it. The result is a chai that actually tastes like cardamom, not just "spiced."
Ingredients (Makes 2 Cups)
- 2 cups whole milk (or a half milk, half water blend)
- 2 tsp loose black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 small slice fresh ginger, or ¼ tsp ginger powder
- 2–3 whole black peppercorns, lightly crushed
- 2–3 tsp honey or sugar, to taste
Instructions
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Combine the milk and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add the black tea, cardamom powder, cinnamon, ginger, and crushed peppercorns.
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Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, letting the cardamom fully bloom into the liquid.
Bring Out the Full Cardamom Flavor
For a chai where cardamom actually leads the flavor, use Akshar Cardamom Powder. The finely ground spice disperses throughout the chai, giving every cup a warm, aromatic flavor.
→ Shop Akshar Cardamom Powder
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Lower the heat and let it steep for another 2–3 minutes without boiling.
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Strain into mugs, stir in honey or sugar to taste, and serve hot.
Why Cardamom Powder Works Better Than Pods Here
Whole pods need to be crushed and strained out, and even then they release flavor unevenly. A good cardamom powder disperses through the liquid immediately, so every sip tastes the same, not stronger at the bottom of the cup. Akshar Herbs & Spices_ The Chai…
A Simple Variation
For an iced version, double the spice amounts, steep as usual, then chill and pour over ice. The cardamom holds up surprisingly well cold.
More Chai & Spice Ideas
→ Chai Tea for Two Recipes — includes classic spiced chai and another chai variation using cardamom.
→ Tulsi Masala Chai Recipe — another warming chai using ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper.
Explore Herbs, Spices & Tea Ingredients
Find more ingredients for homemade chai, herbal teas and everyday recipes.