Sri Ravidas temple inspired Masala Chai tea

A deep bow and thank you to all those generous souls out there that have given their time and love to the cyclone relief. A little altar and prayers of gratitude. A bowl of Masala Chai tea spices inspired by the beautiful people at the Sri Ravidas temple opening up their kitchen and hearts to feed many hundreds if not thousands of flood cyclone affected people over these last weeks. I was served Masala Chai at the temple and I swear it lifted my spirits and physical energy so so high. Something deeply magic going on with the combination of cardamon, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, fresh ginger, tea, steeped in milk and sugar. Here’s the recipe for this deeply fortifying magical tea.

5 cardamon pods

5 cloves

5 peppercorns 

Cinnamon stick about 2cm

Knob of ginger (or about 2 teaspoons grated)

4 teaspoons of Rooibos bush tea (caffeine free) or ordinary black tea, equivalent to 2 tea bags

1t Rapadura sugar (or other sugar or sweetener of choice)

250ml water

250ml full cream organic milk (I use raw organic milk but you could try plant based)

Put the dry spices in a mortar and pestle and give them a good bash to release the beautiful fragrance and flavour. Put spices in a small pot. Put the knob of ginger in the mortar and pestle and give that a good bash about, or use grated. Add to the spices along with the water and bring to the boil and gently simmer for about 3 minutes. Add milk, sugar, stir well and bring back to the boil. Boil again for another 3 minutes stirring frequently. It will reduce and become creamy. Strain and enjoy.

Makes 2 cups.