Lal Chai
A classic Bengali red tea, light and invigorating. Brewed with fragrant ginger and cardamom, this simple black tea is a refreshing alternative to milky chai, perfect for any time of day.
For 2 servings
5 steps. 6 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the aromatics
- a.Peel the ginger and lightly crush it using a mortar and pestle or the back of a knife. Gently crush the green cardamom pods to slightly open them up.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a small saucepan, combine 2.5 cups of water, the crushed ginger, and cardamom pods. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the water with the flavors.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low and add the black tea leaves to the boiling water
- a.Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, or until the tea develops a rich, reddish-brown hue. Avoid boiling vigorously at this stage.
- 4
Turn off the heat
- a.Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Let the tea steep for another minute off the heat for a deeper flavor.
- 5
Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the tea into two cups
- a.If using, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each cup and stir. Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not over-boil the tea leaves, as this will release tannins and make the chai bitter.
- 2For a stronger flavor, let the tea steep for an extra minute off the heat before straining.
- 3Crushing the ginger and cardamom pods is crucial as it helps release their essential oils and maximum flavor.
- 4If you prefer honey or jaggery, add it after straining the tea, not while boiling, to preserve its nutrients and flavor.
- 5Use filtered water for a cleaner, purer taste, as the quality of water significantly impacts the final flavor of the tea.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous Twist
Add a few fresh mint leaves or a stalk of lemongrass along with the ginger for a refreshing variation.
Spiced UpSpiced Up
Include a small 1-inch cinnamon stick and one clove along with the cardamom and ginger for a more complex spiced tea.
Sweetener SwapSweetener Swap
Replace sugar with an equal amount of jaggery (gur) for a more earthy sweetness. Add the jaggery after turning off the heat and stirring until dissolved.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Black tea is loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols, which help combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall cellular health.
Aids Digestion
Ginger and cardamom are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and alleviate indigestion, making this tea a great post-meal beverage.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of ginger's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, along with the antioxidants in black tea, can help strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Lal Chai, made with 1 teaspoon of sugar, contains approximately 16-20 calories. The calorie count is almost entirely from the sugar.