Everyone loves chai, but not everyone can make chai. And you realise this only when you are stuck alone at home. On top of it, that lazy feeling will stop you from stepping out. Not a great situation, right? You are craving chai badly but don’t know how to make it beyond just the first step of starting the stove. Don’t worry now, here you’ll find an easy step-by-step guide to make the perfect cup of Wagh Bakri tea.
Table of contents:
- Masala Chai: Everyone’s Favourite
- Ingredients That You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Guide to Make Wagh Bakri Masala Chai
- Snack Suggestions
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Masala Chai: Everyone’s Favourite
Masala chai isn’t just chai—it’s a daily ritual that unites people across India. Whether you’re starting your day, taking a break from work or catching up with friends, chai is always there as the special guest.
What makes masala chai truly special is that it can make you smile anytime, in any mood and any weather. On rainy days, there’s nothing better than sipping hot chai while watching the raindrops fall. In cold weather, the spice of ginger (adrak) and cardamom (elaichi) warms you up from the inside. And during family gatherings, it’s almost a tradition for someone to ask, "Chai banau?" as everyone gets ready for long conversations over endless cups.
Chai is mostly prepared at home which is why we love ghar ki chai and crave for it even at the office and elsewhere. But don’t worry if you’re new to chai-making! It’s a simple process, and with this guide, you’ll be preparing your perfect cup of Wagh Bakri masala chai in no time.
Ingredients That You’ll Need
Making masala tea at home doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. These simple ingredients come together to create a refreshing chai that’s both comforting and energising.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chai patti: This is the base of your chai. To make the perfect ghar wali chai, you should only use Wagh Bakri Premium Leaf Tea. If you don’t already have it in your kitchen, you can even easily buy tea online now.
- Milk: Milk is what gives chai its creamy, smooth texture. You can use full-fat milk for a richer taste or low-fat milk if you prefer something lighter. The milk not only adds body but also helps blend the spices with the tea for a balanced flavour
- Water: This is essential to boil the tea and spices together, allowing the flavours to infuse properly. You’ll be using equal parts water and milk for a balanced consistency, but feel free to adjust based on how thick or thin you like your chai.
- Sugar: Sweetness is an important part of masala chai, but how much sugar you add is completely up to you. Some people like it very sweet, while others prefer just a hint. If you’re looking for alternatives, jaggery (gud) or honey can also be used instead of sugar.
While the basic ingredients make up the chai, the real magic lies in the spices you add. These spices give masala chai its unique, warming flavour:
- Ginger (adrak): Freshly crushed ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy kick to your chai. It’s also great to add a comforting warmth, especially on cold days.
- Cardamom (elaichi): Elaichi is a must-have in masala chai, as it adds a distinctive, fragrant note that balances the boldness of the tea.
- Cloves (laung): Cloves have a sharp, earthy taste that deepens the flavour of the chai. Just one or two cloves are enough to enhance the tea.
- Cinnamon (dalchini): A stick of cinnamon brings a sweet, woody flavour that pairs beautifully with the other spices. It adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the chai.
- Peppercorns (kali mirch): Though optional, peppercorns can be added if you like your chai with a little extra spice. They give the tea a peppery kick that’s balanced by the sweetness of the milk and sugar.
These spices can be adjusted to your liking. Want your chai spicier? Add more ginger and peppercorns. Prefer a sweeter, more fragrant chai? Increase the cardamom and cinnamon. The beauty of masala chai is that you can play around with the quantities to create a cup that’s just right for you. You don’t even need all of these, you can make your chai even with just one or two spices.
Pro tip: If you want to get the taste of all the spices without having to add them separately, Wagh Bakri Spiced Tea should be your go-to option.
With your ingredients ready, you’re now set to start the stove and get rolling!
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Wagh Bakri Masala Chai
Step 1: Boiling Water with Spices
- Start by boiling water in a pan. Add freshly crushed ginger and cardamom for maximum flavour.
- Let the spices warm up for 2-3 minutes—this releases their flavours into the water.
Step 2: Add Wagh Bakri tea leaves
- Add the Wagh Bakri tea leaves to the boiling water. For a stronger chai, use more tea leaves.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the tea to release its flavour properly.
Step 3: Add Milk
- Slowly pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Watch carefully to make sure the chai doesn’t boil over. Lower the flame to let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Sweetening to Taste
- Add sugar according to your taste. Some people prefer honey or jaggery (gud) for a twist.
- You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. Like it spicier? Add more ginger or peppercorns.
- For a calming chai, try adding a few mint leaves (pudina) or holy basil (tulsi) while boiling.
And tan-tadan! Your perfect masala chai is ready to sip!
Cheat code: Use Wagh Bakri Instant Masala Tea
If you’re short on time but still want that authentic Wagh Bakri tea’s homemade flavour, you can try Wagh Bakri’s Instant Masala Tea. Just boil some water, add the instant tea mix, stir, and enjoy! It’s perfect for days when you’re in a hurry but still crave that same masala chai goodness.
Snack Suggestions
No cup of masala chai is complete without some crispy snacks on the side! The warmth and spiciness of the Wagh Bakri masala tea pairs beautifully with crunchy snacks, making for the perfect afternoon or evening snack break. Here are some classic combos:
- Biscuits: Dipping a biscuit into a hot cup of chai is a classic and comforting choice. Whether it’s digestive biscuits or those traditional glucose ones.
- Samosas: A hot, crispy samosa filled with spicy potatoes is a match made in heaven with masala chai. Just imagine that crispy outer layer along with the soft, spicy filling and the sweetness of the chai…
- Pakoras: Nothing goes better with chai on a rainy day than pakoras. Whether it’s onion pakoras (kanda bhajiya) or bread pakoras, their crispy, fried goodness complements the warm masalas in the chai.
These snacks are not just tasty but also a great way to make your chai time feel more special. Next time you’re making masala chai, try adding one of these snacks to your routine for an extra layer of enjoyment!
Conclusion
Making masala chai isn’t just about mixing tea leaves, spices and milk; it’s about creating magic. The process of making masala chai can be a soothing ritual—a few minutes of peace in a busy day. Whether you’re making it to enjoy alone or to share with friends and family, there’s something truly special about homemade chai.
Chai, after all, is best enjoyed together. When you make it for others, it becomes more than just tea—it’s a gesture of care, a way to connect and share stories.
So, the next time you’re craving a warm cup chai and no one is there to make it for you, don’t worry and follow the steps given above to make yours easily.
And if you're ever short on time, Wagh Bakri’s Instant Masala Tea is always there for a quick, tasty fix without compromising on taste. Whether made traditionally or instantly, masala chai will always be that perfect cup of warmth you need.
FAQs
1. What are the ingredients of masala chai?
Masala chai is made with a combination of Wagh Bakri tea leaves (chai patti), water, milk, sugar and some masalas. Common masalas include ginger (adrak), cardamom (elaichi), cloves (laung), cinnamon (dalchini) and peppercorns (kali mirch). You can adjust the spices based on your taste preference.
2. How much milk is required for 1 cup of tea?
For 1 cup of masala chai, you typically use ½ cup of water and ½ cup of milk. You can adjust the milk quantity if you prefer a creamier or lighter chai.
3. How long does it take to make masala chai?
It usually takes about 7-10 minutes to make a perfect cup of masala chai. This includes the time for boiling the water with masalas, adding the tea leaves, simmering with milk and sweetening to taste.
