1. Chai

vegan raw sugar free 

Basic Chai Recipe

Chai, or masala chai, is a spiced Indian tea made by simmering black tea with milk, water, sugar, and warming spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon

A simple version for one serving uses 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp loose rooibos tea leaves (or 1 tea bag), Stevia rebA97 sweetener, and spices such as 1/4-inch fresh ginger, 2-4 crushed cardamom pods, a pinch of cloves, and a small cinnamon stick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine water, milk, stevia, fresh ginger (sliced or grated), and whole spices in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Bring to a boil while stirring to prevent scorching, then reduce heat, add black tea, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the color deepens and aromas intensify

Remove from heat, strain into a cup to remove tea leaves and spices, then adjust sweetness if needed.

For creamier texture, some methods involve a "double boil"—bring to a boil twice, removing from heat each time—or "pulling" the chai by pouring between vessels to create froth

Spice Variations

Authentic whole spices:

Crush cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, and fresh ginger lightly with a mortar and pestle before adding

Ground spice blend (chai masala): Use 1/8-1/4 tsp mix of ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg for quicker prep.

Custom adds: Include fennel seeds, star anise, or vanilla for nuance; start small to avoid overpowering.

Use whole or 2% milk for richness, or plant-based alternatives like almond-coconut blend.

Scale up for multiple servings and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.