Soulful Chai Spice Blend
Prep- 10 minutes for the spice blend, plus 10 minutes for the chai
Makes about 30 servings
I’ve waited a long time to experience the perfect blend of spices for a chai (there’s a bit of an art to getting it right). I can confirm this recipe is truly a delight and I cannot recommend it enough. Oh, your life will be enriched. And if you’re already a fan or ordering the odd chai at your local coffee spot, you’ll be chuffed when you realise you can make one just as good (well, better actually) at home. Each sip feels like a joyous, satisfying balance of spice, warmth, and earthiness – real nourishment for the soul. If you can, look for fresh (and ideally even organic) spices, I reckon it does make a difference! I wouldn’t be without my frother for the milk, but it’s not essential. Did you know you can froth hot milk in a plunger, too? Just pump the filter thing up and down a few times and boom!
Ingredients
3 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tbsp ground cardamom
1 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp allspice
3/4 tsp fine black pepper
1 vanilla bean pod (optional)
To Serve
Prepared spice mix (above) 1-1.5 tsp per person
2 tsp coconut sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup per person
1 cup milk per person (your choice which type)
Pinch of salt
Dash of vanilla extract
To Make
To make the chai spice blend, combine the ground spices and pepper in a bowl and mix with a small whisk or fork until well combined.
Transfer to an airtight glass canister or jar and add the vanilla pod (if using). It will store well in a cool, dark place for several months.
To prepare your chai, ,warm the milk in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chai spice blend and sugar or syrup and stir for a few minutes with a whisk until frothy and hot (don’t let it boil). Sprinkle with a little extra sugar or syrup if you like.
Either take a moment of peace for yourself in a patch of sunlight with your chai, or share with someone you adore.
TIPS & SWAPS
- I find 1 tsp Chai Spice Blend to 1 cup milk and 2 tsp sweetener is a good balanced ratio, but if you enjoy it a little spicier try using 1 1/2 tsp Chai Spice Blend and adjusting the sweetener to suit.
- An alternative for sweetening your chai is to add 4 dates per person to the milk mixture in the saucepan. Once it’s hot, for an extra creamy and frothy experience whizz everything together in a blender until smooth. You may need to reheat the chai in the saucepan afterwards.
- If you have a milk frother, you can froth a little extra milk to dollop on top of the chai.
- Adding 1-2 tbsp of full-fat coconut cream to the milk mixture makes it extra decadent.
- Adding a tiny pinch of salt takes it to another level.
