Kvetching about the weather and telling readers how to cope through food or drink is old hat. So, I’ll just say this: spices often lend foods a warming je ne sais quoi in the thick of winter. If handled right — read: judiciously — spices make everything taste better, or at least smell better. (If you ever find yourself in a stinky, unwelcoming space, do as my friend Michelle recently did: fill up a saucepan with a bit of water and throw in a cinnamon stick, some cloves, and an orange peel if you can. Simmer, for instant transformation.)
Recently, in the Eatsy kitchen, there’s been a lot of toasting and grinding of spices. We’ve added cumin to Mexican black beans, achiote and allspice to braised pork, cloves to an Indian vegetable medley, fennel to a green coconut curry, caraway and cinnamon went into a chickpea soup, and coriander to a vinaigrette. What I’ve learned is that toasting spices for sauces, salsas and the like heightens the spices’ flavors. For quick infusions, like mulled wine and chai tea, spices can be left whole, though crushing them is useful.
Photo by irenethereforeiam
Irene Powell photographed the spices from her “Oma’s” recipe for windmill cookies.
To toast your spices, set a heavy pan (cast iron or something similar) over low heat and add whole spices. Do not overcrowd the pan or leave it too empty. You want enough room to shake the spices from time to time so they can slosh about; the ideal is a pan that is two-thirds full. Keep an eye on your spices as they toast and shake them often so they don’t burn. Different spices have different toasting times so toast each spice separately. They are ready when they release their aroma (oils) and look slightly toasty.
To grind, a mortar and pestle works well but a coffee or spice grinder makes things super easy. If you need to clean your coffee grinder, pulse some rice in it and then wipe it clean. Spices keep well, but always toast and grind them just before using. Their oils and intensity will penetrate in a way that a pre-ground spice simply can’t. Also, be sure to store spices away from heat and light.
Photo by GorgeousKarma
Chai in a clay cup (called kulhad) with curry and kachori, a traditional Indian snack.
To use spices for infusions, cracking them releases their oils, but toasting isn’t necessary. Here’s a simple recipe for making Masala chai, an Indian drink that blends black tea with sweet, heady spices. It requires no toasting or grinding. Traditionally, it has less milk than what some readers may be accustomed to. Feel free to add more milk or extra sweetener.
Masala Chai
Makes about 4 cups
4 whole cloves
2 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
3 cups water
1 teaspoon ginger root, chopped (no need to peel)
1/8 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons black tea
In a mortar and pestle, crush the cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon. Place crushed spices in a small saucepan, add the water, ginger and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Add the milk and sugar to the pan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the tea. Let the tea steep, covered, for 3 minutes.
To serve, strain chai into a warmed teapot or cups.
112 comments
Sign in to add your ownbbbennyandthejet says:
whoa yum.. (star anise is my favourite spice.. and that's sayin' something..)
2 years ago
CarryTheWord says:
What a fun idea!
2 years ago
WatchWithDaDa says:
Sounds delicious. I love star anise too. Tasty AND beautiful.
2 years ago
CarlyAnnSwift says:
Chai lollies! mine!!! I'm craving something spicy now! Luckily, I bought some spice kits from cookingoutsidethebox last month and they are FAB! I'm going to the kitchen now.
2 years ago
hattieshouse says:
My morning always starts with a cup of chai...thanks for the recipe!!!!
2 years ago
SugarCubeVintage says:
yummy...i need some now! the chai lollipops are gorgeous!
2 years ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
Yum- will be trying this. Thank you!!
2 years ago
ericawalker says:
Mmm, chai. Thanks for the recipe.
2 years ago
TwinkleStarCrafts says:
Thank you for this. Could use it right now!
2 years ago
maggiemaevintage says:
need to learn more about spices... thanks for the recipe.
2 years ago
flytrapprints says:
mmm I love chai tea from starbucks but never really knew what spices were used to make it, great recipe.
2 years ago
CraftsByBabz says:
Sounds yummy!! Thank you!!
2 years ago
Nikifashion says:
great pictures!
2 years ago
rarebeasts says:
Oh yum, just yum.
2 years ago
DecadesOfVintage says:
Thank you so much. Great info
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I love chai lattes they're my favourite! Spices can really improve the flavour of just about anything!
2 years ago
emwi says:
Ooo this sounds great. I've really wanted a good homemade chai recipe. I have a good friend who has a family Indian chai recipe that is absolutely delicious. I'll have to see how this ranks against that.
2 years ago
Lorilan says:
ummm...yummy. thanks for this! but who's gonna make it for me! ? :) I need someone to do the grinding and the blending..I'd like to do the tasting! ha.
2 years ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Thanks for sharing I love this kind of stuff
2 years ago
CraigsMarket says:
looks like a delicious chai recipe - thank you!
2 years ago
soule says:
yummy! I love Chai!
2 years ago
pottersong says:
Intresting! Thank you:)
2 years ago
karoart says:
mouth watering article:)
2 years ago
theroyal says:
yum
2 years ago
christinegoldschmidt says:
Gorgeous, I love the DIY teabags. Just superb! :)
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Love Chai! Happy to try the recipe!
2 years ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Sound deeelish Kitty. Thanks.
2 years ago
Sachi215 says:
I L.O.V.E Chai Tea!!! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe <3
2 years ago
KettleConfections says:
We make chai all the time, but we go heavy on the spices and ginger as we like ours strong and spicy- to get that effect, we also add fennel and anise seeds, with extra cinnamon and cardamom (a small hand full). You can also get more flavor out of the ginger by grating them. We do encourage everyone to make chai- once you have the proportions figures out for what spice notes you like you'll never buy watered down chai again. And with the internet, it's so easy to find/buy fresh whole spices.
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Sounds delicious! Yum! =)
2 years ago
greatestfriend says:
woah! i love your posts, kitty! thank you for sharing! I'm off to the kitchen...
2 years ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Great article! Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
Floreal says:
Masala Chai.. I make it( the true indian way) every evening upon returing from work... it is so refreshing! it tastes amazing with some fritters.... :)
2 years ago
studiopainters says:
colorful spicy.
2 years ago
22ndandChatty says:
Yummy! I've got to try this recipe...
2 years ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
Yummy!
2 years ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
And MisticalAcScents Chai is just sooooo yummy!
2 years ago
dearange says:
Oh my...... those spices look amazing! Chai is sooooo super yummy too :)
2 years ago
AmberGypsySky says:
mmmmm spices. I just used a whole bunch with dinner tonight. Cumin is a godsend lately
2 years ago
beadstylin says:
I am SO making this tea! Thank you for the tips on roasting...I can smell the spices now! :-)
2 years ago
NaturalPetProducts says:
Loooooooooovvvvvveee chai, TY for the info! :-)
2 years ago
cindylouwho2 says:
mmmm, looks delicious!
2 years ago
mazedasastoat says:
Personally, I prefer my spices in mulled wine or cider at this time of year... but I certainly agree that they smell (& taste) delicious!
2 years ago
coolstuffartgallery says:
Love this!
2 years ago
weezieduzzit says:
KettleConfections says: We make chai all the time, but we go heavy on the spices and ginger as we like ours strong and spicy- to get that effect, we also add fennel and anise seeds, with extra cinnamon and cardamom (a small hand full). *** I also beef up the spices (it seems like chai is always steeping on the stove here, too) but I've never added fennel- great suggestion! (anise is a MUST!) I'll let some of my fennel in the garden go to seed so I can try it out. :)
2 years ago
WoodlandCottage says:
There's nothing better than a hot cup of tea on a cold winter's night... Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
aerome34 says:
This makes me want to stay home and play in the kitchen for hours!
2 years ago
themefragrance says:
perfect recipe! yum!
2 years ago
mjca003 says:
this looks amazing! i can't wait to try it :)
2 years ago
lulusnest says:
mmmm, me hungry now. thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
priya123 says:
I can smell the aroma ...Please pass me the cup & kachoris..yummy!! I will make some tomorrow:) thanks for sharing the recipe!
2 years ago
SwitchDesignsNYC says:
I cant wait to try this!! Love chai :)
2 years ago
amyfine says:
yum
2 years ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Thank-you for this! Chai is one of my favorite things! I can hardly wait to try this recipe!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Mmmmmmmm... all of the spices! So pretty! Thanks for the recipe! I love chai but have never made it from scratch before.
2 years ago
TheMillineryShop says:
It sounds amazing, I must try this.
2 years ago
abelabodycare says:
Going to be trying this. Thanks!
2 years ago
astarteearthart says:
I never thought to buy my tea on Etsy...dah!
2 years ago
timeforteame says:
yum. if you don't have all the spices, a simpler recipe i learned while in india is just to use the black peppercorns, cardamom, sugar and tea...
2 years ago
DewdropTreasures says:
It reminds me of a little Indian shop near the campus. I'm going to get the spices there tomorrow. Love your photography as well. Thank you for sharing.
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
I like chai spices so much, I often skip the tea and heat milk with chai spices in the microwave...and add a bit of sugar, sooo much better than hot cocoa before bedtime. Fennel or anise sounds like a yummy addition.
2 years ago
Pipkyn says:
Love, love, love spices! my boyfriend and I are always playing around with different flavours, although we've never tried chai so thats def a project for the weekend - thanks!
2 years ago
elmstreetmarket says:
I love chai and this post is making me drool, but I gave up when I got to the ingredients! Yup, that lazy.
2 years ago
EatenApple says:
Yeah I love tea! And winter's still here... :D
2 years ago
poorjimsvintage says:
So yummy hearts for food!
2 years ago
AliceCouture says:
Winter and cold weather is still here,and a yummy tea like this...well,SUPER-YUMMY IDEA!!!
2 years ago
babybayrs says:
life is total bland without spices. I can't live without spices. Will check out yummy spices above.
2 years ago
RubyRedDragon says:
Thank God for chai!!!!! :)
2 years ago
blessedvintage says:
looks good
2 years ago
veeramani says:
Superb :-)
2 years ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Looks great, I could go for something hot and spicey right about now, getting real tired of these below zero digits up here in Minnesota!
2 years ago
symmetricalpottery says:
Spicy!!!!!!!
2 years ago
Mattie714 says:
my husband has spent time in the Middle East and fell inlovewith real Chai Tea, I cannot wait to make this for him and see what he thinks! Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
pamwares says:
this is great - I love spices. I would imagine the toasting makes your home smell amazing as well. thank you!
2 years ago
bmused says:
mmmmm...thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Yummie!!!
2 years ago
vintagerenewal says:
Looks awesome! Thanks for sharing this! Jeanne
2 years ago
rebourne says:
this is so cool. i had no idea you could toast spices, or even that you could purchase them in whole form. yum! now i want to learn how to grow my own spices and let them go to seed to do this!
2 years ago
PrettyLoot says:
Mmmm I want some pumpkin pie now -- gluten free though :-)
2 years ago
redemptionart says:
MMMM Chai tea sounds so good right now. Thanks for the cinnamon/orange on the stove reminder, I am going to do that this morning...infuse my house with warmth....thanks for promoting the art of culinary! Aloha~Connie
2 years ago
rusticcarvings says:
Oooh, I'm so going to go get some tea. It'll make this rainy day complete. :)
2 years ago
genisepark says:
yummy Chai tea sounds so good to day...winter winds and cold outside and the smell is so great inside...
2 years ago
Tigerseyecrafts says:
I'm another chai tea drinker and will probably order an already made kit. I'm just so busy--you know how it is.
2 years ago
earnestefforts says:
Haven't made my own chai in years. You've inspired me!!! Take care!
2 years ago
FrancesPhotography says:
Lovely recipes and I am taking note of the chai - my favourite hot cosy drink - delicious!
2 years ago
stepbackink says:
I love cooking and spices do make a difference in taste and moods. For fun try making this quick tea, in 2 cups bolied water add 1-2 dried lemons or lime, simmer, sweeten to taste and you will have a calming digestive tea. :)
2 years ago
pinkbijou says:
yummy!
2 years ago
PlumeandPetals says:
what a fun idea!~ Yum =)
2 years ago
Morado says:
Thats exactly how I love my tea :o)
2 years ago
jadjusjewelry says:
I love my tea. That's all I drink.
2 years ago
nandlalicu says:
You are advise and tips about winter dinner is amazing You know I really like spicy food in winter session and after Masla Tea Mmmmmm mmmm Very tasty. Romantic Dinner
2 years ago
jewelrycollectibles says:
Yum. Hot tea on a cold snowy day in Portland, ME.
2 years ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
Ahhhhhhhhhh! Trying this right away, thank you
2 years ago
pinkpurr says:
Oh, just what I needed to recharge on a cold snowy long and lingering February day in Montreal, Canada! Thanks for posting!
2 years ago
deesbowsnthings says:
This sounds so yummy! I cant wait to try this and sit down an relax with a cup! Thank you!
2 years ago
samsstuff says:
Yum, thank you for the chai recipe! I love adding spices to add depth to standard recipes. Cinnamon is great in chili or in mochas & hot chocolate, for example...
2 years ago
YellowViolet says:
I'm addicted to Good4You's Chai tea but I'm going to try this recipe. I love Chai!
2 years ago
MadebyLinLin says:
This all looks delicious! I love spices! Cinnamon etc.. yum!
2 years ago
thebeachhousegallery says:
Perfect for this cold winter day! I love chai. And I never thought of searching a recipe from etsy? Who knew? My local barrista makes me the perfect chai drink with whipped soy milk, yum. Thanks, again for the recipe and insightful reminder on toasting spices. Inez Dunn
2 years ago
TheNightjar says:
what a great Chai recipe-thanks for sharing
2 years ago
btaylorquilts says:
Wow! I'm going in the kitchen right now to make this! I have all the ingredients, believe it or not!
2 years ago
RoxiesRecipes says:
This is a great article! I always love to see other people who are excited about cooking and baking! I only hope that my books on cooking will help you all!
2 years ago
jiang888 says:
We’ve added cumin to Mexican black beans, achiote and allspice to braised pork, cloves to an Indian vegetable medley, fennel to a green coconut curry, caraway and cinnamon went into a chickpea soup, and coriander to a vinaigrette. Buy Windows 2008
2 years ago
beadsofaquarius says:
Thank you ! :)
1 year ago
AlpineGypsy says:
I just adore these recipes. Using spices in this way makes me feel I'm connected to an Older World somehow, and it's refreshingly easy to throw real spices into a pot instead of heading to a Big Box chain of coffee stores to pay for a boxed imitation. So much lovelier for the senses! Thanks again for a great little recipe ~ Heidi
1 year ago
envydesignsjewelry says:
Yum! Love chai tea! Thank you!
1 year ago
linziloop says:
Mmmm, chai is my fave kind of tea, well, that and Bengal Spice which is like chai times 10! I shall give this recipe a try!
1 year ago
BlakesVintage says:
0_0 I feel deeply unprepared.
1 year ago
Simag says:
Mmmmm LOVVVE it with soy milk. Thank you for the tips on roasting. <3
1 year ago
TheWindmiller says:
I made this last night and LOVED it! I'll definitely be making it again. Here are a few notes that might be helpful. I didn't know how long a cinnamon stick I should use (I have really long ones) so I broke off and used about 5 inches. It was perfect. I didn't have loose black tea, so I used 6 bags of decaf Lady Grey, out of the bags. (The bags, opened up, make good filters later on.) My cardamom pods are ancient, so I'm not sure how much they contributed. I'd say go ahead and make it without the pods if you don't have them. Skim milk was fine. Lastly, this is a lot sweeter than I expected! But oh, so good!
1 year ago
jhangfk says:
Chai recipe is good, I was offered this chai by People from Punjab. People from Punjab come from different areas of Punjab it is daily routine to drink spicy chai after breakfast, lunch and dinner but every area have different recipe. Some will have Anieseed, pinch salt, sugar and green cardamom, other will use cinnamon and green cardamon, pinch Salt and Sugar, but I find it very heavy and fill stomach, I have to miss either lunch or Dinner. So try to pinch salt to you spicy chia. We call this chai as "Chaah" with means love and hospitalty. So people say if Chai is made without Chaah (LOVE) it can not be Chai. Thanks for recipe.
1 year ago
myneedlehabit says:
Thanks for re-running this recipe. I'm going to pound down some homemade Chai tonight....:-D
1 year ago