Make your own warm & cozy Masala Chai with Oat Milk

Nothing invokes the feeling of warmth like masala chai. Steeped tea along with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, fennel seeds, and star anise with just the right amount of milk makes for the perfect beverage.

Masala Chai is known in the US as "Chai tea". "Chai" actually means tea in Hindi. In the US, when we say "Chai tea", that translates in Hindi to "tea tea". The mixture of spices used to flavor the tea is "Masala".

While most masala chai is made using milk, our recipe substitutes a plant-based milk to keep it vegan. You can use any type of milk you choose for this recipe. We chose oat milk, as research shows it's the most ecologically friendly version of plant-based milk currently on the market (possibly tied with Hemp milk!).

The great part about making your own masala chai lies in the customization. If you prefer your chai extra spicy, you can increase any of the spices within the masala mixture. Like it a bit more on the licorice side? Add more star anise or fennel seed. Want it sweeter? Simply add more sugar.

We decided to throw it back old school style by using a mortar & pestle, to really get that authentic flavor.

Grinding Your Masala Spice

We offer a wide selection of mortar & pestles, depending on what you're looking for. 

When grinding by hand, and especially with cinnamon, you can have some larger pieces, especially as the flavors meld together during the steeping process in the milk. You still want to grind it as finely as possible, because the more incorporated the flavors, the better it tastes.

One of our favorite products to use when making masala chai is the Endurance® 3-Cup Measuring Pan. The pan goes from measurement tool straight to the stove top for cooking, so you don't have to dirty too many dishes in the process. Incredibly convenient and versatile, especially for small batches of drinks or sauces. Once your chai steeps, pour it over a strainer into a mug and enjoy!

Also, enjoy how amazing your house smells after. Sit on the couch, kick back, and enjoy your Masala Chai.

Chai Masala Ingredients (large batch)

  • 1/2 cup green cardamom pods
  • 1/4 cup peppercorns
  • 1/4 cup cloves
  • 3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks or 3 tsp cinnamon powder or 1 1/2 tsp allspice or you can add 2 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp nutmeg (optional- for extra spice / flavor variation)

Chai Ingredients (serves 2)

  • 1 1/3 cup water
  • 3 tsp loose tea 
  • 1 cup oat milk
  • 1/8 tsp/dash of chai masala (or) 3 green cardamom pods, 2 cloves, 1/2 inch cinnamon, 3-4 black peppercorn, a pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated (or adjust to taste)
  • sugar as per taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Grind all the spices for chai masala to a coarse powder. Store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
  2. In a small saucepan at medium heat add water, tea leaves, chai masala blend, or crush spices using a mortar and pestle, sugar, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add oat milk and stir in. Boil for 6-7 mins
  4. Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy!

NOTES

The milk to water ratio depends on the type of milk (low-fat, fat-free, full fat, etc.) you are using and individual taste. I usually prefer either 1:1 or 1:1 1/3 (milk to water) ratio. If you like thicker tea, use 1:1 (milk to water) ratio and for a stronger chai; use 1: 1 1/2 (milk to water) ratio.

Adjust the chai masala to your taste. I started with a pinch of chai masala now I add 1/8 tsp.

If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can also use ginger powder. But I like the taste and aroma of a fresh ginger

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