Chai Comfort Cups

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Chai Comfort Cups

Here in these parts the mornings have begun to be a little brisk, the nights noticeably colder, and officially the time of the year has arrived to reach for all things warm and cozy. Along with the boots, jackets, cashmere and wool being pulled out from the back of  cupboards, it’s also a great time of year to reach for all the kitchen comforts. What a wonderful feeling to conjure up a little something that leaves you feeling relaxed and toasty all over, as well as making your whole kitchen smell like a spiced haven away from any buffeting winds or stresses.

This Chai tea is just the thing for the Winter season, and is really fast and easy to prepare. I love how Chai is wrapped up in so many traditions, as a drink that has provided comfort for centuries and with the recipe passed on through countless generations. Look how fun it is to stir the Chai at the end in 3 clockwise circles to bring the magic ingredients together!

The ginger is a star ingredient, with many healing benefits including boosting our immunity and reducing congestion.

Ginger is also recognised as always kind and friendly to our digestive system. No need to peel the ginger for this recipe, although a good wash to remove any soil from the garden is advised. I keep a constant supply of ginger in my garden as it is so super-easy to grow here, and definitely recommend you do the same. And if you decide to peel the ginger, do you know the trick about peeling it with the back of a teaspoon? Especially works a treat 🙂

The cinnamon is another heroine in this Chai, being not only calming and warming as a strong antioxidant but a kitchen go-to for balancing blood sugar levels. Just be sure to source good-quality cinnamon, namely cinnamomum zeylanicum or Ceylon cinnamon, rather than the Cassia cinnamon to enjoy all the health benefits. If it is not specified on the packet which cinnamon it is, it is most likely the cheaper Cassia alternative! Click here to read more and how to spot the difference.

Personally, I really enjoy counting out the spices and listening to the gentle simmer on the stovetop. The smell is really soothing as the spices heat and combine, and every cup so warm and comforting. Fabulously good for an afternoon pickup with a bliss ball on the side and definitely gorgeous poured into a mug around an evening fireplace. Enjoy the warmth, sharing and serenity!

Chai Comfort 

Ingredients

1 ginger knob, finely sliced

2 cinnamon sticks, halved

3 cloves

4 black peppercorns

5 star anise

7 green cardamom pods

¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

600 ml almond milk or your own preference

1-2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional)

2 teaspoons black tea leaves

Method

  • Place the 8 spices with 600ml of water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover and gently simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Add the milk, sugar and tea to the pan and slowly return to the boil, occasionally stirring.
  • Once chai is at a rolling boil, reduce heat immediately and gently simmer for 1 minute.
  • Stir the Chai (ancient tradition recommends 3 times in clockwise circles!), and then strain into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.