Punjabi-Style Masala Chai (ਮਸਾਲੇ ਵਾਲੀ ਚਾਹ)

This creamy, spiced milk tea is true home comfort in the Punjab, boasting a blend of rich spices, black tea and caramelised brown sugar.

Many Punjabis have warm memories of enjoying hot masala chai at home for breakfast. Unlike other types of desi chai, Punjabi-style chai is especially made for guests at home and boasts a wealth and breadth of aromatic spices. The real secret to Punjabi home-style chai is actually buffalo milk, which offers more protein and butterfat than cow’s milk and creates the sort of tea that coats your mouth and lingers. To augment this, a dash of evaporated milk in this recipe creates that same grip that home-style chai will have on you. The extra fat content binds the aromatic oils of the spices very well, and for that reason the spices and milk must be cooked together so they can be properly acquainted. For this recipe, we’re toasting classic, whole chai masala spices which can sometimes be purchased together as a ‘set’ in Asian supermarkets. I highly recommend treating yourself to this, especially on a cold winter’s night. It’s the best way to feel Punjabi hospitality by your own hand. Let’s go!