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Chef Priya
Priya's Kitchen Notes

Easy recipes, bold spices, and stories from my family kitchen.

Starter Guide To Indian Flavor

Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Milk Tea)

Masala Chai

(42 reviews)
"

This chai reminds me of early winter mornings in Delhi, wrapped in a shawl with steam rising from the cup and the whole kitchen smelling like home.

"
Masala Chai (Indian Spiced Milk Tea)
Prep time:5 mins
Cook time:10 mins
Total time:15 mins

Protein

3g

Carbs

15g

Fat

5g

Calories

120 kcal

Servings:
4
VegetarianGluten Free

Ingredients

water1 cup
milk1 cup
(whole milk preferred)
black tea leaves2 tsp
fresh ginger1 inch
(sliced or crushed)
green cardamom pods3
(lightly crushed)
cloves2
black peppercorns2
(optional)
sugar2 tsp
(adjust to taste)

Directions

Boil the Spices

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns.
  2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3–4 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Brew the Tea

  1. Add black tea leaves and simmer for another 2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the milk and bring to a boil. Watch carefully as milk can rise quickly.
  3. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until well combined.
Chef's tip: The longer you simmer, the stronger and spicier the chai will be.

Strain and Serve

  1. Strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer.
  2. Stir in sugar and serve hot.

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Behind the Recipe

Chef Priya in her kitchen

Hi! I'm Priya. I grew up in Delhi in a tiny kitchen filled with noise, spices, and stories. I learned to cook the way most of us do—by watching, tasting, and eventually doing. My mother never measured anything, but somehow every dish was perfect.

After I moved to the U.S., I found myself cooking the same dishes to feel close to home. Friends would ask for recipes, and I realized how unfamiliar Indian cooking still felt to many people here. That's what led me to start sharing—not just the food, but the how and why behind each step.

These recipes are rooted in tradition but shaped by life abroad. I try to keep things practical without losing what makes them special. If you've ever wanted to bring more Indian flavor into your kitchen, I hope this is a good place to start.