Loose Leaf Chai Tea Mix & Tea

I have made many versions of this mix over the years, but this one is my favourite. I love the fact that is has ground as well as whole spices, as it looks so lovely in the jar. The pepperiness is just perfect, and although not traditionally included in chai, I like to add a bit of liquorice root and star anise. Traditional chia is very sweet, and this recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sugar, but you can lessen the amount.

Makes about 1.5 cups of looose leaf chai + 1 cup of chai

what you need 

for the loose leaf tea

1 cup of loose leaf Assam tea

1/4 cup of masala chai mix (recipe here)

1/4 cup of whole cardamom pods

2 tablespoons whole cloves

1/2 cup whole star anise

2 sticks of cinnamon

14 cup roughly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon liquorice root

1 tablespoon red peppercorns

for the chia

2 teaspoons of loose leaf chai mix

80 ml of water

1 cup of milk

2 teaspoons coconut sugar

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what to do

for the mix

Place some of the whole spices in a mortar and pestle and grind a few times to break down the spices.

Place the tea and all the spices in a bowl and mix to combine. Store your tea in an airtight glass jar in the pantry. 

for the chai

Add the loose leaf chai mix and the water to a small saucepan. Place on the stove on medium-high heat and allow to come to the boil. Lower heat and simmer for a few minutes to give the tea a chance to infuse in the water.

Add the milk and coconut sugar and bring to the boil again. As soon as it boils, remove from the heat and enjoy.

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