Ghar ki Chai (aka Homemade Chai)

1. To a cooking pot add the Water and Orange Pekoe tea bags, or fresh tea leaves. Turn the stovetop heat to a medium-low setting. 

2. To a mortar and pestle add Cardamom Pods and Ginger Coin (optional). Give it a good mash and add to cooking pot. 

CTD Cooking Tip: if you do not have a mortar and pestle, simply break the Cardomom Pods with your fingers and add to the cooking pot. 

3. Now add Dried Tulsi Leaves (optional). With your spoon or ladel give your chai a stir. 

4. When you see a low boil, add Milk of your dietary choice. Crank up that stovetop to a medium-high settting. 

5. Watch the chai carefully as it will slowly rise to the top of the cooking pot. When this happens, simply stir with a spoon or ladel. 

CTD Cooking Tip: Placing a ladel on top of the cooking pot, diagonally, will prevent your chai from spilling over as it slowly rises, since the surface tension will break. 

6. Add the Sugar or Sweetner of dietary choice. Reduce the heat to a medium setting. 

This is when the molecules of the chai begin change and a comforting aroma of sweetness fills your entire kitchen!

7. Once more, the chai will rise to the top of the cooking pot. Simply stir with your ladel and turn off the stovetop. 

8. Carefully pour your chai using a Strainer into your favourite Chai or Coffee mug. Enjoy your ghar ki chai!