Step 1

Place water in a saucepan over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, add tea-leaves or tea bag and cardamom. Reduce the heat to medium and gently allow this to simmer for a minute or two.

Step 2

Add the milk and raise the heat back to high.

Step 3

As it begins to boil, the chai will rise in the saucepan. Remove the pan from heat before it reaches the top of the saucepan. Do this a few times to really develop the flavor while using a ladle to scoop and pour back the chai. Alternately, once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and allow it to simmer to desired strength (~3-5 minutes).

Step 4

Pour this chai through a small sieve into your favorite cups and sweeten using sugar or honey.