The perfect monsoon staple is masala chai – strong and redolent with the aroma of spices. Try this recipe  – it substitutes sugar with jaggery for a superbly earthy flavor that goes beautifully with the spice kick!

For rainy day foods with a twist, check out this post!

(Makes 2 cups)

Ingredients

• 2 cup water
• 2-3 tsp loose leaf black tea (strong)
• 2-inch cinnamon stick
• 6 cardamom pods
• 6 cloves
• 1/2 inch crushed ginger
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 2-star anise
• 6 black peppercorns
• 1 cup milk
• Jaggery powder, to taste

Procedure

1. Heat water with black tea leaves (strong).
2. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, ginger, fennel seeds, star anise and black peppercorns.
3. Boil for 2 minutes.
4. Add milk and brew till tea is rich brown in colour and slightly thickened. A lovely spice-laden aroma of the tea should waft through.
5. Strain and serve hot with sweetened with jaggery or cane sugar.