Masala chai

• milk↗200ml-250ml ml

  (dairy or other)

• sugar↗1-2 tbsp tbsp

  or syrup, like stevia, maple syrup, to taste

• green cardamom pods↗3

  bashed and husks removed

• cinnamon stick↗½ ½
• cloves↗2
• black peppercorns↗3
• ground ginger↗½ tsp ½ tsp
• black tea↗2 tsp loose leaf 2 tsp

  leaves, such as Assam

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   For the infusion, put the cardamom seeds in a pestle and mortar, along with the cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns, and bash to release the oils – you don't want to make a powder. Tip into a pan and stir in the ginger and black tea leaves.

2. 2

   Pour in 400ml water and bring to a very gentle simmer over a low heat, to allow the tea to infuse before it starts to boil. Stir in the milk and sugar or syrup to taste, and remove from the heat. Leave to infuse for 2 mins before straining into mugs.