Boiled Eggs, Butter Toast and Masala Chai

Ingredients

• 4 slices White Bread (Thick-sliced bread works best. You can also use whole wheat or brown bread.)
• 2 tbsp Salted Butter (Softened to room temperature for easy spreading. If using unsalted butter, add a tiny pinch of salt.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Take two slices of bread. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.

2. 2

   Heat a non-stick pan or a tawa over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the bread slices butter-side down onto the pan.

3. 3

   Toast for 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom side is golden brown and crisp. You can gently press down on the bread with a spatula for even toasting.

4. 4

   While the first side is toasting, spread the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter for this batch on the top, unbuttered side of the bread slices.

5. 5

   Flip the slices and toast the other side for another 1-2 minutes until it's also golden brown and crisp.

6. 6

   Remove the toast from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining two slices of bread and 1 tablespoon of butter.

7. 7

   Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cup Water
• 2 cup Whole Milk (For a rich, creamy texture.)
• 4 tsp Assam Black Tea Leaves (Or any other strong black tea.)
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger (Peeled and coarsely crushed.)
• 4 pods Green Cardamom Pods (Lightly crushed to open them.)
• 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
• 4 pcs Cloves
• 5 pcs Black Peppercorns (Lightly crushed.)
• 4 tsp Sugar (Adjust to taste.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the spices. Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, lightly crush the green cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns. Coarsely crush the peeled ginger.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with the crushed ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the water with the spice flavors.

3. 3

   Add the black tea leaves to the simmering spice decoction. Allow it to brew for 2 minutes, or until the liquid turns a deep, dark color.

4. 4

   Pour in the 2 cups of milk and add the sugar. Increase the heat to medium and bring the chai to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil over. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chai reaches a rich, creamy brown color.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat. Strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve directly into serving cups. For a traditional frothy top, you can pour the chai back and forth between the saucepan and another heatproof vessel a few times before serving. Serve immediately.