Author Notes
I make a double batch of this chai tea concentrate about every other week. I like mine to be lightly sweetened so you may need to add more honey if you like yours sweeter. I tried using raw sugar and found that it separates out a bit upon refridgerating so I now use just honey in mine. If you don't mind stirring or shaking the concentrate before using it, you can substitute brown or raw sugar for the honey. I do not normally add the orange slices but they are a nice addition when you find a few in your fridge that haven't been consumed by your husband or kids. My recipe is based on this one: http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/spiced-orange-chai-concentrate/ —ktr
Ingredients
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2 quarts
boiling water (I fill my electric tea kettle)
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2
cinnamon sticks
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4-5 pieces
crystallized ginger, or 4 inches fresh ginger unpeeled and roughly chopped
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8
cardamom pods
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2
star anise
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10
cloves
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8
allspice berries
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1/2 teaspoon
freshly grated nutmeg
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6-10 teaspoons
black assam tea leaves, or 10 black tea bags (I normally use 10 tsp tea leaves)
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1/4 cup
honey* see note above
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1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
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1/2
orange, sliced, peel on, optional*
Directions
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Start boiling the water (I fill my electric tea kettle and then get the spices ready while the water is coming to a boil).
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Add the cinnamon sticks, ginger, nutmeg, tea and orange slices if using to the pot. Pour the boiling water over the top. Cover and let steep for 20-30 min.
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Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the tea. Stir in the honey and vanilla. Store in the fridge.
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To serve:
Combine in a 1:1 ratio with milk. Can be served warm or cold.
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*I recently used 5 drops of orange essentil oil in place of the orange, so if you have an orange essential oil that you are comfortable ingesting, feel free to substitute it for the orange.
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