Since I devoted an entire Blog to coffee drinkers, I think it’s only fair to do the same about tea junkies. And yes, while that may seem an unusually harsh term to describe someone who drinks tea (I can see you having visions of peaceful Japanese tea gardens, with people sipping cups of tea in a Zen-like state.), believe me, if you drink tea, you pretty much become its slave.
Nowadays, there are so many varieties; it fairly boggles the mind as to which one to choose. We know of vanilla chai and ginger-peach tea. But who invented chocolate-masala chai? Or pomegranate -hibiscus infused flavors? Honestly, what happened to a good old cuppa of regular boiled tea?
Growing up, we like the millions of our fellow countrymen (or, women to be more accurate), made tea the typical way - boil your water on a gas stove, chuck in some loose tea-leaves. While it continued to boil, add milk and sugar, which in most instances was between 2-4 teaspoons per person; to taste. And there you have it - a perfect, milky, sweet cup of tea that hits the spot! If you were sick, or on special occasions, you’d add crush fresh ginger, cloves, cardamom and even pepper to it, imbuing it with its own special flavor. In fact, when my husband and I traveled to India in 2003 on a tour to Rajasthan, we made numerous stops for cups of tea, boiled over gas stoves and served at roadside stalls. The saucepan would be kept on the stove the entire day, being refilled as necessary and with someone in constant attendance. And the flavor- unbeatable!
Over the years, loose tea leaves have given way to fancy tea bags in various flavors, including the strange above mentioned ones. And the packaging has changed to printed boxes covered in cellophane paper. Of course tea bags are convenient. But if you want to be truly environmentally friendly, give tea -leaves a go. And you can forgo boiling it over the stove, by investing in one of the many tea-pots that come with filters. President’s Choice has some great ones available, including single, smart looking tea-mugs with individual filters. Pour in your tea leaves and boiling water, let it steep, and you’re good to go. If you want flavor, add dried lemon or orange peels, ginger, apple or peach slices…you can be quite creative with your choices- including chocolate masala tea!
Nagendra Singh Ranavat’s special Masala Chai recipe, the Rajasthani way
2 cups water
2 cups milk
3 teaspoons tea leaves
1 cardamom
4 whole peppercorns
Small piece of fresh ginger
Sugar to taste
Pour the milk and water into a pan on medium heat. Bring to a boil and lower it. Pound the ingredients and add to the mixture. Add 3 teaspoons tea leaves and 3 teaspoons sugar (or to taste). Continue to boil it for 5 minutes. Strain and serve.
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