The lockdown has given us a unique opportunity to get into our kitchens and experiment with all-new recipes for our favourite dishes. Since it’s no secret how much we like our tea, we decided to ‘spice’ it up a little with 8 unique things to add to your tea.
We picked out these ingredients keeping in mind their ease of availability and how they crank up the deliciousness of your chai. Here’s how to make tea taste good with a host of unusual ingredients.
1.Jaggery:
Unsweetened tea is not our favourite but it definitely comes handy in our new-found commitment to fitness. Hence we found a worthy substitute for our processed sugar in jaggery. The molasses content of jaggery is high making it a delicious yet healthier option.
2. Citrus Fruits:
Bored of plain black tea? We suggest that you make it interesting with some fruity additions. Chunks of citrusy oranges and lemons along with berries and ginger can make for some interesting iced tea options for the summer days.
3. Cocoa:
For the tea lovers who also cannot keep their hands off the hot chocolate, this is your chance to marry your two loves. Loaded with healthy polyphenols, cocoa powder will not only make your tea more chocolatey but also looks after your skin with a dose of antioxidants. Cocoa is, however, generally quite bitter so you might need to adjust the milk and sweetener in your drink to make it optimal for you.
4. Coconut oil:
We know that this is a strange ingredient for chai. However, believe us when we say that this adds in a delectable nutty flavour to your tea that you will want more of once you get a taste of it. It is also guaranteed to make your skin glow!
5. Oat/Almond milk:
Looking to switch to a vegan diet but not going through with it only because you will miss chai? Substitute your dairy with vegan-friendly oat milk or almond milk. Add in some nutmeg and ginger and voila! You have the perfect recipe for your morning cuppa.
6. Baking Soda:
No, this isn’t a tea cake recipe! Baking soda is added to a very unique chai called the Kashmiri Kahwa to give it the beautiful pink hue. A pinch of baking soda reacts with the chlorophyll in the green tea giving it the pink colouring. Though traditionally savoury, you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Throw in some additives to make your tea taste better like pistachios, almonds and a few strands of saffron.
7. Ghee:
You must have heard of the famous Bullet Proof Coffee from the keto diet which loaded with ghee! Now it’s your turn to add in a dollop of ghee to your chai for some richness. The creamy tasting tea is yummy and has amazing benefits for your hair and skin.
8. Cinnamon:
This spice is a great way to give your tea that intriguing Christmas flavour. A pinch or two of cinnamon adds a sharp new flavour to your drink. It is also great for regulating your blood sugar and lowering your cholesterol.
We hope you play around with these ingredients and create your own chai experiments! Think we missed out some tips on how to make tea taste better? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs
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How can I make my chai taste better at home?
You can make chai taste better by adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom, or experimenting with ingredients like jaggery, almond milk, or citrus fruits for a unique twist.
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What are healthy alternatives to sugar in chai?
Jaggery is one of the best healthy alternatives to sugar in chai. It adds natural sweetness along with minerals and a richer flavor compared to refined sugar.
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Can I add coconut oil or ghee to chai?
Yes, adding coconut oil or ghee to chai creates a creamy texture and rich taste. It’s also popular in high-fat diets for added energy and nourishment.
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How can I make chai healthier?
To make chai healthier, reduce sugar, use jaggery or natural sweeteners, add spices, and consider plant-based milk options. This enhances both taste and nutrition.
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What are the trending chai variations to try at home?
Trending chai variations include vegan chai, chocolate chai, Kashmiri pink chai, and spiced herbal chai. These unique recipes are popular for their flavors and health benefits.
