Black Tea
A bold, deeply aromatic cup of Indian black tea, simmered with warming spices like cardamom and ginger. Quick to make, this everyday brew is the perfect caffeine kick to start a morning or shake off an afternoon slump.
For 2 servings
- boil · ~3 min
Boil water with ginger and cardamom.
Pour water into a saucepan. Add crushed ginger and crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
TIPCrushing the ginger and cardamom releases more flavor into the water. - simmer · ~4 min
Add tea leaves and simmer.
Add black tea leaves to the boiling water. Lower heat to medium and let it simmer until the color deepens to a rich dark brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
TIPDon't over-boil the tea leaves after adding, or the tea will turn bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Stir in sugar and strain.
Turn off the heat. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Place a tea strainer over the teacup and pour the tea directly through it.
- serve
Serve piping hot.
TIPIndian black tea is traditionally served without milk, but you can add a splash if you like.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Crush the cardamom pods just before adding to release their volatile oils.
- 2Use freshly sliced ginger for a brighter, more pungent kick.
- 3Simmer the tea no longer than 4 minutes to avoid extracting bitter tannins.
- 4For a stronger brew, use 3 teaspoons of tea leaves instead of 2.
- 5Always pre-warm your teacup with hot water so the tea stays piping hot.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy version
Add 1/4 cup milk after straining for a creamy chai-style cup. Simmer the milk with the spices for extra richness.
spice blend swapSpice blend swap
Replace cardamom with 1 small cinnamon stick and 2 cloves for a warmer, wintery spice profile.
sugar freeSugar-free
Skip the sugar or substitute with honey or stevia for a low-calorie version that keeps the tea's natural boldness.
extra ginger kickExtra-ginger kick
Use a 2-inch piece of ginger and finely grate it instead of slicing for a sharper, more sinus-clearing heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea contains polyphenols like theaflavins that help combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
Supports Digestion
Ginger is widely known to soothe the digestive tract and reduce nausea, making this a comforting after-meal brew.
Natural Energy Boost
The caffeine in black tea provides a gentle, sustained energy lift without the jitters associated with coffee.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Cardamom has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body when consumed regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, simply substitute 2 tea bags for the 2 teaspoons of loose leaves and remove them after simmering.
