WHAT IS CHAI?
Chai is steeped in a rich history. The name “chai” is actually the Hindi word for “tea”, which was derived from “cha”, the Chinese word for “tea”. In this case, the Hindi term chai means a mix of spices steeped into a tea-like beverage.
Recipes for chai vary across continents, cultures, towns and families. But the traditional ingredients of a spiced tea blend usually include black tea mixed with strong spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns.
The spiced tea mixture is typically brewed strong with milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. However, the milky sweet tea treat we order in coffee and tea shops today has very little in common with the origins of Indian chai.
Chai Tea Latte Smoothie
Start your day with this delicious, creamy chai tea latte smoothie full of healthy energy giving ingredients and tasty spices!
Recipe
3/4 cups of ice
1 ripe banana
2 Tbsps of rolled oats
1/2 cup of almond milk, unsweetened
1/4 tsp of cinnamon
2 cloves
1/2 cup of cooled chai tea
(Brew the chai tea according to package directions and allow to cool in water for 10 mins to 1 hour to get great flavor)
Blend all together and enjoy!
Video
SPICES:
The spices, or “masala”, used in chai will vary by region, climate and cultural preference.
Traditionally, cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and black peppercorns were dominant chai spices and all readily available in India. Vanilla, nutmeg, mace, star anise or fennel may also be seen in some traditional recipes.
As chai moved west, bay leaf, allspice, cacao or saffron became popular additions. Coriander and cumin may also show up in some recipes.
Have you tried these recipes?
