There is something soul soothing about warm drinks on a backdrop of falling leaves preceded by the changing colours of Fall to the light gentle snowfall and shorter days of Winter that draw me to the kitchen to brew up a warm cup of tea. With knees snuggled close and a fire ablaze, listening to Norah Jones, a perfect moment is born.

Here is a recipe created over the years that is caffeine free, dairy free and processed sugar free. That alone tells you it is healthy, but the individual ingredients that boast many health benefits!

Health Benefits of Common Spices used in Chai Masala:

Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help with digestive issues, reduce nausea, and may alleviate muscle pain and soreness.

Fennel

Fennel seeds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They can aid digestion, reduce bloating, and may help regulate menstrual cycles.

Cloves

Cloves are high in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties. They can support oral health, improve digestion, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight infections.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are beneficial for blood sugar control and may help lower cholesterol levels. They can also support lactation in breastfeeding mothers.

Cardamom

Cardamom has antioxidant properties and may aid digestion. It can help reduce blood pressure and has potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Rooibos

Rooibos tea is caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. It may support heart health, improve digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

These spices and herbs not only enhance flavor but also contribute significantly to overall health and wellness.

Infused Masala Chai Tea

If you have never made this tea you will be in for a culinary treat on all levels! Not only do the spices infuse the home with aromatic smells that are divine, but it will pleasing to the tastebuds, digestive health and hormone health!

This tea was inspired many years ago by a close friend and I have added a few twists of my own in keeping with a caffeine and dairy free theme.

Some original recipes call for the addition of black tea and black pepper. This recipe omits both, but adds fenugreek seed* which has a 'maple syrup' flavour. The black tea is substituted with rooibos tea, which is optional, as the flavour without the addition of black tea or rooibos can stand on its own.

The better than barista secret is in the preparation of this tea. To give this tea a deeper, creamier flavour which is absolutely over the top divine you need to infuse the herbs overnight in two cups of water. This important step allows the spices to release their medicinal oils slowly and gently allowing a full bodied tea to be birthed. This captures more of the medicinal qualities in each spice as well.

• Nutritional Value: Infusions help release vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the spices.

• Medicinal Properties: Different spices offer specific health benefits, such as soothing digestion.

• Keep in mind, overnight infusion is the sweet spot, anything longer you will get more of the bitter flavours being released.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Serving: 4

Prepreparation: 8-12 hours

Special Equipment: mortar with pestle or coffee grinder

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water

• 4-6 cardamon pods

• 3 tbsp of fennel seeds

• 3-4 cloves

• 1/4 cinnamon bark stick , broken up

• 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds

• 2 inch of fresh ginger, roughly chopped

• 1 rooibos tea bag, optional

• 1/2 to preference cup of a milk/substitute (unsweetened soy is my personal preference )

• 1- 2 tbsp honey or your personal preference

Preparation

• place cardamon, fennel seeds, cloves and cinnamon bark in a mortar or coffee grinder. Pestle the spices or pulse gently enough to break up the spices in a grinder. Do not pestle or grind the fenugreek seeds.

• Place in a glass jar with 2 cups of filtered water, place in fridge. Allow to steep overnight 8-12 hours.

• when ready to make tea, add the infused mixture into a medium saucepan, add additional 2 cups water to the infusion mixture.

• turn heat to medium and allow to come to a gentle boil,

• once it is gently boiling turn down to low and allow to simmer for additional 5-10 minutes

• slowly add milk substitute, rooibos tea bag (if using) and allow to gently simmer for 1-2 minutes

• let sit for additional 2 minutes, remove rooibos tea bag, spices; using a sieve to strain

• add honey to taste

• pour into mugs and enjoy!

Pro Tip:

• This tea is perfect as an iced tea as well!

• Top it with a sprinkle of with ground cinnamon!

*Caution: pregnant women should not over consume fenugreek seeds as they contain ‘saponins’, a chemical compound that is found in oral contraceptives and could induce a miscarriage or premature labour.

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