Chai (Tea) Masala

• annokset: 3/4 cup mix

Ainekset

1 Tablespoon whole black peppercorns

9 (3-inch [7.5-cm]) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

1 tablespoon whole cloves

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

2 tablespoons whole green cardamom pods

3 black cardamom pods

2 tablespoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Ohjeet

Put all the ingredients in a spice grinder or in the dry jug of a powerful blender, such as a Vitamix. Process to a fine powder. Sift after grinding to get a finer powder.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Note: To make traditional chai, add 1 teaspoon of this mix to 4 cups (948 ml) boiling water. Add 2 black tea bags, ½ cup (119 mL) soy milk (or alternative), and honey or agave nectar to taste. Boil for a few minutes, remove the tea bags, and serve immediately piping hot. For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root. This spice mix may be also be sprinkled over baked potatoes, used in spiced nuts, and even added to your holiday eggnog or apple pie.

Muistiinpanot

This blend is my own personal combination-ingredients that are traditional in chai but also include a few healing spices that I always include when making chai for my kids - such as black cardamom and turmeric to help ward off coughs and colds. - author