Easy Masala Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 420 mlwater
• 140 mlmilk
• 1/2 tsptea masala
• 2tea bags (regular or decaffeinated)
• to tastesugar or sweetener
• 1 (optional)star anise

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine in pan

   Add the water, milk, tea masala, tea bags and star anise to a saucepan over a medium heat.

2. 2

   Simmer the tea

   Stir, bring the mixture to the boil, then simmer for 5–10 minutes.

3. 3

   Strain into cups

   Pour into cups, using a fine sieve if you wish.

4. 4

   Sweeten to taste

   Add sugar or sweetener to taste, then serve.

5. 5

   Boil the kettle

   For the microwave method, boil the kettle and put one tea bag in each of two mugs. Fill each mug just over halfway with boiling water.

6. 6

   Mix the spices

   While the tea bags steep, stir the milk and tea masala together in a deep, microwave-safe jug or bowl.

7. 7

   Warm the milk

   Microwave the milk and spice mixture for 3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it does not boil over.

8. 8

   Combine and serve

   Remove the tea bags and pour the spiced milk into the mugs, stirring well. Add sugar or sweetener to taste and serve.

What is masala tea?

Masala tea, often called masala chai, is an Indian-style drink made by brewing tea with milk and a blend of spices. The particular spices can vary, and this recipe uses prepared tea masala, with star anise as an optional extra.

Using tea bags and a ready-made spice blend keeps the preparation straightforward, while simmering the ingredients together gives the saucepan version time to infuse.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 46 calories, 2g protein, 4g carbs, 2g fat.

The carbohydrates mainly come from the milk and any sugar added; the milk also supplies some protein and fat. Keep the serving balanced with a snack or meal that includes fruit or another source of fibre, and adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

Choosing the tea and spices

Tea bags: Regular or decaffeinated tea bags both work here. Choose a black tea bag for a familiar, robust tea flavour.

Tea masala: Measure the half teaspoon carefully, since blends can differ in strength. Star anise is optional and brings its own distinct aroma.

The saucepan method

Gentle heat: Bring the water, milk, tea bags and spices to the boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pan as milk can rise quickly when it boils.

Straining: Pour through a fine sieve if you want to catch loose spice particles or tea residue before serving.

The microwave method

Steep the tea: Fill the mugs just over halfway with boiling water and let the tea bags steep while you prepare the milk mixture.

Watch the jug: Heat the milk and masala for 3 minutes in a deep microwave-safe container, checking that it does not boil over. Stir the spiced milk into the brewed tea before sweetening.

Getting the flavour right

Sweetness: Add sugar or sweetener after brewing so each person can adjust their cup to taste. Start with a little and add more if needed.

Spice: The tea masala is the main seasoning, so taste the finished tea before adding anything extra. The optional star anise can be left out for a simpler cup.

When to serve it

Masala tea is best served hot, soon after brewing. Offer it with a small savoury snack or a lightly sweet biscuit if you want something alongside it.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a deep jug for the microwave method to leave room for the milk to rise.
• Keep the saucepan at a gentle simmer after bringing it to the boil.
• Strain the tea into cups if you prefer a smoother drink.
• Add sweetener after brewing so it is easy to adjust each serving.
• Leave out the star anise for a less pronounced spice note.

Variations

• Decaffeinated tea: Use decaffeinated tea bags for a caffeine-free tea choice.
• No star anise: Omit the optional star anise for a simpler spice profile.
• Sweeter cup: Add sugar to taste after brewing.
• Unsweetened: Leave out the sugar or sweetener.
• Saucepan brew: Simmer all the ingredients together for a more hands-on infusion.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Boiling over: Use a deep pan or jug and watch closely as the milk heats.
• Overheating the milk: Check it during the 3-minute microwave time so it does not boil over.
• Skipping the stir: Stir the spiced milk into the tea well to distribute the masala.
• Too much sweetness: Add sugar or sweetener gradually and taste as you go.
• Unstrained spice: Pour through a fine sieve if you want to remove tea or spice particles.

How to store

This tea is best enjoyed freshly made. If needed, refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 2 days; reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring before serving.

Frequently asked questions