Love the cozy, nuanced flavor of a great cup of masala chai or a chai latte? Here’s how to make an easy DIY blend of these chai spices! There’s a myriad of variations on the spices used in this classic Indian recipe. This recipe is a quick and easy mix that works for beverages like masala chai or for throwing into baked goods like cookies and muffins. It’s great to use for DIY gifts, too! Here’s what to know about this traditional Indian spiced beverage and how to whip up this spice mix at home.
What are chai spices?
What is chai spice made of? The word chai translates to “tea” in Hindi, so saying chai tea is an American invention and technically like saying “tea tea.” The more correct term for the Indian tea blend is masala chai. The word masala refers to a blend of spices used in cooking. Just like the word curry, a Westernized reduction of a complex blend of Indian spices, the American concept of chai can oversimplify and appropriate a rich Indian cultural tradition. Masala chai spices can include many different ingredients based on the cook, just like curry powder. This mix uses the most common chai spices: but there are many more used regionally in Indian blends. Here’s what is in this masala chia spices mix:
CinnamonGingerCardamomBlack pepperNutmegClovesFennel seed
There are lots more unique spices that are used regionally, like bay leaves, mint, coriander, lemongrass, mace, saffron, star anise, and more. Here’s the way our Indian friend Ruchi makes masala chai.
Ground chai spices vs whole
This chai spices mix is intended as an easy DIY blend to use in masala chai, chai lattes, and baked goods. Traditionally these spices are simmered whole: like whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom pods. Because this can be expensive and hard to find in America, this blend uses ground spices. This also allows you to use the flavoring in breads, cookies and muffins. Keep in mind that traditional Indian chai uses whole spices.
Notable ingredients: caradmom and fennel seed
Most of the ingredients in these masala chai spices you can easily find at your local grocery. There are two unique ingredients to mention:
Ground cardamom: This is the ingredient that gives chai spices their unique floral flavor! It’s becoming easier to find ground cardamom in the US. Do not make this mix until you can locate cardamom. Ground fennel: Fennel is most often sold as fennel seeds: it’s difficult to find ground. Buy the seeds and then grind it using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or a dedicated coffee grinder. (It leaves behind flavor, so don’t use your standard grinder.) This spice is optional, but it adds an earthy, savory flavor that gives even more intruige.
Storage for this chai spices blend
You can store your homemade masala chai spices blend in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. This blend is best when it’s freshest, so the sooner the better. Spices generally last in a cool, dry place like your pantry or a spice drawer for 8 months to 1 year.
10 ways to use chai spices
These masala chai spices are very versatile. Because this mix is ground, you can use it for tea or in more creative uses like baked goods. Here are 10 great ways to use chai spices: There are so many more ways to use this blend: let us know how you use them in the comments below!
This masala chai spices recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
More seasoning blends
Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than storebought—and are fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends (listed by style): 5 from 1 review
Mexican: Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, Fish Taco SeasoningMediterranean: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Herbes de ProvenceCajun: Cajun Seasoning, Blackened SeasoningAmerican: Old Bay Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch SeasoningAll Purpose: Seasoned Salt
