Chai tea

 

Chai has become my morning go-to. I love the smell of the spices and it seems to refresh me and get me started for the day like nothing else. You might be familiar with it and have your own recipe but here is one you can easily make at home. It’s a very grounding ritual at the start of a busy day, and Ayurveda loves a daily ritual!

“Heavenly Chai

Serves 2

1 tablespoon black tea

1/2 cup (soy) milk

1 cup spring water

1/2 teaspoon cardamon powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 pinch clove powder

1 pinch ginger powder

Add black tea to milk and water then boil for 20 minutes. Add cardamon, cinnamon, clove, and ginger. Stir and serve warm.” Chai is traditionally drank flooded with cow’s milk and a good dose of sugar but I skip the sugar to keep it healthy. The dairy argument we’ll keep for another occasion.

And for those with a more fiery nature, referred to as a Pitta type in Ayurveda or during the hot summer months you may wish to go for a more cooling recipe (I know I should use it more!):

“Saffron & Rose Petal Tea:

8 cups water

1 small handful dried rose petals (organic)

12 strands saffron

1 tablespoon honey

Bring water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Remove from heat and add rose petals and saffron. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Add honey to the warm tea. You may serve with the petals or strain the tea and reserve the petals for your bath water.” If very fiery nature, skip the honey altogether!

On a totally different note thank you for bearing with me whilst the content and look of the website and blog continue to evolve daily.

(recipes in “” from Bri Maya Tiwari’s book Living Ahimsa)