chai tea

INGREDIENTS

20 cardamon pods

1 Tbsp black peppercorns

2 Tbsp fennel seeds

1 Tbsp coriander seeds

1 tsp whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean

3 star anise

4 Tbsp chopped candied ginger, diced

1 Tbsp ground ginger

1 cup black tea (loose)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Combine cardamon, peppercorns, fennel, coriander, cloves, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and star anise on a tray lined with baking paper. Roast for 15 mins. The spices will have a lovely fragrance to them. Remove from the oven and cool. 

If you have a thermomix pop the spices into the bowl and press the turbo button 5 or until the spices and chopped similarly to the picture seen above. Otherwise wrap spices in a clean tea towel and use a wooden spoon to crush. Add the ginger, ground cinnamon and tea leaves.

To brew, use approximately 1 heaped teaspoon to dessertspoon of chai mix depending on how strong you like it. Either let it brew in hot water for 3-5 mins or place the hot water and chai mix into a saucepan and boil on the stove for 5 mins. Add milk (can also use coconut or almond) and honey to taste.

For a lovely rich treat add the chai mix to coconut milk in a saucepan and bring to boiling point. Serve with honey if desired.