Ginger Tea
A warm, comforting Indian beverage made by brewing black tea with fresh ginger and milk. Known as 'Adrak Chai', this spiced tea is a household staple in India, perfect for a rainy day or to soothe a sore throat, offering a zesty, invigorating kick in every sip.
For 2 servings
Infuse the Aromatics
- In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of water, the grated ginger, and the crushed cardamom pods (if using).
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Let it boil for 1-2 minutes to allow the ginger and cardamom to infuse the water thoroughly.
Brew the Tea
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the black tea leaves to the saucepan.
- Allow the tea to simmer for 2 minutes. Avoid boiling it for too long at this stage to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Add Milk and Sweeten
- Pour in the milk and add the sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase the heat to medium. Bring the tea back to a boil, watching it closely to prevent it from boiling over.
- As the tea rises, lower the heat or lift the pot briefly to let it subside. Allowing it to rise once or twice deepens the flavor.
Strain and Serve
- Turn off the heat immediately after the final boil.
- Carefully strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve directly into two serving cups, discarding the ginger and tea leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more potent ginger flavor, crush the ginger with a mortar and pestle instead of grating it. This releases more of its essential oils.
- 2The water-to-milk ratio can be adjusted. For a creamier tea ('doodh patti' style), use more milk and less water.
- 3Always add milk after the tea has brewed in water. Adding it too early can hinder the tea leaves from infusing properly.
- 4To prevent milk from curdling, which can sometimes happen with acidic ginger, ensure your ginger is fresh and add the milk when the tea is simmering, not at a roaring boil.
- 5For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or soy milk. Add it at the very end, after straining the tea, and heat gently without boiling to prevent separation.
Adapt it for your goals.
Masala Chai
Add a small cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 2-3 black peppercorns along with the ginger in step 1 for a classic Masala Chai.
Lemongrass Ginger TeaLemongrass Ginger Tea
Add one bruised stalk of fresh lemongrass to the water with the ginger for a fragrant, citrusy twist.
Jaggery Ginger TeaJaggery Ginger Tea
Replace sugar with grated jaggery (gur). Add it after turning off the heat and straining to prevent the milk from curdling.
Tulsi Ginger TeaTulsi Ginger Tea
Add 4-5 fresh holy basil (tulsi) leaves along with the ginger for added health benefits and a unique, peppery flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
Ginger is renowned for its ability to soothe the digestive system, alleviate nausea, and reduce bloating and indigestion. A warm cup of ginger tea can be particularly comforting after a meal.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The active compound in ginger, gingerol, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce muscle soreness and symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
Boosts Immunity
Both ginger and black tea are packed with antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections like the common cold and flu.
Soothes Sore Throat
The warm, spicy properties of ginger tea make it an excellent natural remedy for soothing a sore throat, reducing congestion, and alleviating cough symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
One cup of this Ginger Tea, made with whole milk and sugar as per the recipe, contains approximately 90-100 calories. The calorie count can be reduced by using low-fat milk or a sugar substitute.