Chai latte recipe: Chai is undoubtedly one of the favourite drinks of India. Countless people across the country can't think of starting their day without a cup of tea in the morning. Although there are many variations to how people like their tea, popular recipes involve the use of water, milk, sugar and tea leaves. A recipe for 'Chai Latte' by a renowned publication had recently become the subject of controversy online. Indian Twitterati called out the recipe which had whole spices like Star Anise, Cinnamon and also used coconut milk and maple syrup. Take a look at what users said about the recipe:
Hello WebMD! This is neither chai nor latte. ???? https://t.co/9xIZsGf21w— Nandita Iyer (@saffrontrail) September 28, 2020
I don't know if I should laugh or cry or write to my local politician about this monstrosity https://t.co/ZnemgdPgum
— Shivani Thombare (@sth0mbare) September 29, 2020
Oh god no... nope nope nope. Coconut milk? Maple syrup? Who did you talk to? Canada?!— Pete Draper (@petedraper) September 28, 2020
Add rice instead of tea bags and this will be biryani???? pic.twitter.com/ZmvmFM5i5E— J for Joke; J for Judiciary (@snorlaxisbored) September 28, 2020
I will let Michael Scott say it for me.... pic.twitter.com/NdcQNvfk7Q— Rajaram Bhagavathula (@rjbhagg) September 28, 2020
(Also Read: Benefits Of Masala Tea: Prepare A Cup Of Kadak Masala Chai To Kick-Start Your Day)
Users pointed out that there were too many spices in the Chai Latte recipe, almost as many that would be used to make a biryani. Further, the use of coconut milk and maple syrup in the making of the desi Chai did not go down well with netizens.
So what makes the ideal Chai that Indians love? A simple chai recipe that most Indians swear by starts with water which is brought to a boil. Milk and tea leaves are added and simmered on low heat, along with additional herbs such as tulsi or ginger to taste. The mix is brewed for a couple of minutes before being strained into a cup and sugar is added to taste. Masala Chai is also a hot favourite among chai-lovers across the country, and there is a special Chai Masala mix comprising ground spices which can be purchased from the local grocery store or made at home. Here's a recipe we recommend:
The humble #Masala chai has a separate fan-base. We decode the delicious recipe here! What do you add in your #Chai? Tell us! #MondayMotivationpic.twitter.com/Wu1SO9484G— NDTV Food (@NDTVFood) May 4, 2020
It's important to know that there is significant room for experimentation within the ambit of the classic Chai while keeping the original flavours intact. The simple recipe has birthed several creative counterparts over the years.
Click here for some innovative chai recipes to try. What do you add to your favourite cup of tea? Tell us in the comments below!
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.