There’s something undeniably magical about a steaming cup of Chai Maska—the way the rich, spiced tea blends with creamy butter, creating a drink that’s both comforting and indulgent. If you’ve ever sipped this beloved Indian beverage, you know it’s more than just tea; it’s a hug in a cup, a moment of warmth in a busy day.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe at a little roadside stall in Mumbai. The vendor poured the fragrant tea into a small clay cup, added a generous dollop of butter, and handed it to me with a smile. That first sip? Pure bliss. It’s a memory I carry with me every time I make it at home.
Ever wondered what sets Chai Maska apart from regular tea? Or why it’s such a cherished part of Indian culture? Let’s dive into the heart of this delightful drink and uncover its secrets.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Chai Maska
This recipe is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Here’s the breakdown: (learn more here)
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
Recommended Tools You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine water, grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the spices. Add the tea bags or loose tea and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and stir with a silicone spatula. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl.
- Add sugar and unsalted butter to the strained chai. Use a wire whisk to blend until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Pour the Chai Maska into serving cups and enjoy warm. For best results, serve with a cooling rack to let it cool slightly before drinking.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Here are a few ways to make your Chai Maska even more delightful: (more inspiration)
- Flavor Swap: Try using jaggery instead of sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Diet Tweak: For a dairy-free version, swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Prep Fix: If you’re short on time, pre-crush your spices and store them in an airtight container for quick use.
- Storage Tip: Leftover Chai Maska can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring well.
Healthier Alternatives for Chai Maska
Love Chai Maska but want a lighter version? Here are some simple swaps: (helpful resource)
- Use low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk.
- Replace butter with a smaller amount of ghee for a richer flavor with less fat.
- Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
Wondering if you can make Chai Maska without butter? Absolutely! While it won’t have the same creamy texture, you can skip the butter or use a light spread for a similar effect.
How to Serve Chai Maska
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Chai Maska, but here are a few of my favorite serving ideas: (check out this recipe)
- Pair it with buttery toast or crispy biscuits for a classic Indian breakfast.
- Serve it alongside a plate of warm, flaky parathas for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy it solo, sipped slowly from a clay cup for an authentic experience.
In India, Chai Maska is often enjoyed as a morning ritual or an afternoon treat. It’s the perfect companion to quiet moments and good conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chai Maska and how is it made?
Chai Maska is a spiced Indian tea enriched with butter, giving it a creamy, indulgent texture. It’s made by brewing black tea with spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, then blending in butter and sugar. (learn more here)
What ingredients are needed for Chai Maska?
You’ll need water, milk, black tea, butter, sugar, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The full list is in the Ingredients section above. (learn more here)
How does Chai Maska differ from regular tea?
Unlike regular tea, Chai Maska is spiced and includes butter, which gives it a rich, velvety texture and a unique depth of flavor. (learn more here)
Can Chai Maska be made without butter?
Yes, though it won’t have the same creamy richness. You can omit the butter or use a lighter alternative like ghee or coconut oil. (helpful resource)
What are the health benefits of Chai Maska?
The spices in Chai Maska, like ginger and cardamom, offer digestive benefits, while the tea provides antioxidants. Moderation is key due to the butter and sugar. (more inspiration)
How long does it take to prepare Chai Maska?
It takes about 20 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. See the time breakdown for details. (more inspiration)
Is Chai Maska popular in Indian culture?
Absolutely! It’s a beloved drink in many parts of India, often enjoyed as a morning or afternoon treat.
Conclusion
There’s a reason Chai Maska has stood the test of time—it’s a drink that warms the soul as much as it delights the palate. Whether you’re sipping it on a chilly morning or sharing it with friends, it’s a little piece of comfort in every cup.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. After all, the best recipes are the ones that carry a bit of your heart in them. (read our guide)
If you make this Chai Maska, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy brewing! (check out this recipe)
Print
Chai Maska
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Chai Maska Recipe with this easy guide. Perfectly spiced and buttery, this Indian-inspired tea is a comforting treat.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
4 green cardamom pods, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- 1. In a saucepan, combine water, grated ginger, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- 2. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the spices. Add the tea bags or loose tea and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- 3. Pour in the milk and stir with a silicone spatula. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- 4. Remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl.
- 5. Add sugar and unsalted butter to the strained chai. Use a wire whisk to blend until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- 6. Pour the Chai Maska into serving cups and enjoy warm. For best results, serve with a cooling rack to let it cool slightly before drinking.
Notes
Avoid overcooking to maintain the best texture and moisture.
Serve your chai maska warm for the best flavor and experience.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: All Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: chai maska, Spiced Tea, Buttered Chai, Homemade Chai
