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A rich, creamy Hyderabadi classic, this chai is slow-cooked with mawa (milk solids) to create a uniquely thick and comforting brew. Different from regular chai, its decoction and milk are prepared separately for a layered taste.
Prepare the Creamy Milk Base
Brew the Tea Decoction
Assemble and Serve
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A rich, creamy Hyderabadi classic, this chai is slow-cooked with mawa (milk solids) to create a uniquely thick and comforting brew. Different from regular chai, its decoction and milk are prepared separately for a layered taste.
This hyderabadi recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 371.26 calories per serving with 14.54g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for beverage or snack.
Add other whole spices like a small cinnamon stick, 1-2 cloves, or a pinch of grated nutmeg to the tea decoction for a more complex aroma.
Replace sugar with an equal amount of grated jaggery for a more earthy sweetness. Add the jaggery after turning off the heat to prevent curdling.
If mawa is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of milk powder or 1/4 cup of condensed milk. If using condensed milk, reduce the sugar accordingly.
The combination of caffeine from the tea and the warmth of the drink provides a gentle energy boost while also being incredibly comforting, making it a perfect beverage for a relaxing break.
Made with a significant amount of reduced milk, this chai is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
The aroma from spices like cardamom has been known to have calming properties, which can help in reducing stress and improving mood.
The main difference lies in the preparation method. In Irani Chai, the milk base (with mawa) and the tea decoction are cooked separately and combined only at the time of serving. Regular Masala Chai is typically a one-pot brew where milk, water, tea, and spices are all simmered together.
Irani Chai is a rich, indulgent beverage high in calories, fat, and sugar due to the full-fat milk, mawa, and sugar. It should be considered a treat rather than a daily healthy drink.
One cup of homemade Irani Chai contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the exact amounts of mawa, milk, and sugar used.
Yes, you can. A good substitute is using 1/2 cup of milk powder mixed into the milk. Alternatively, you can use 1/4 cup of condensed milk (and reduce sugar) or simply simmer full-fat milk for a longer duration until it reduces and thickens significantly on its own.
The creaminess comes from two key factors: using full-fat milk and simmering it long enough to reduce and thicken. If you use low-fat milk or don't allow the milk base to simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, it will not achieve the desired creamy consistency.
It is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the milk base and the tea decoction in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them separately before combining to serve.