| Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 68 | 1.5g | 0.9g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4.5g | 0.3g | 3g | 0.02g |
There’s no way I could ever ignore the allure of Bay Leaf Flavored Indian Tea (Tej Patta Chai). This aromatic, rich and comforting brew undeniably holds a special place in my domestic routine. This tea, which speaks to the sensibilities and nuances of Indian culinary artistry matches impeccably with the diverse culinary themes New York—my city, is known to celebrate.
The Spellbinding Fusion of Flavors
The fusion of bay leaves with spices, sugar, milk, and loose black tea creates an irresistible harmony of flavors that uniquely stands out. Similar in essence to other spiced teas, such as chai latte or masala chai, Tej Patta Chai, with its distinct use of fragrant bay leaves, adds an added depth of refinement to the already complex flavor profile.
Interestingly, this spiced tea is not just a feast for the taste buds but a nutritional powerhouse that promotes good health – boasting of anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties and cardiovascular-protective effects inherent in its flavorful ingredients. (source)
The Perfect Accompaniment
And let’s not forget how it effortlessly complements a whole range of dishes. It goes particularly well with an evening snack of samosas or pakoras, or pairs beautifully with breakfast dishes like buttered toast or flaky croissants. The Tej Patta Chai, in my eyes, embodies more than just a refreshment—it’s a medium that invites us to meaningful conversations and moments.(source)
As an actor, I’ve learnt that a great performance thrives on passion, dedication, and authenticity—coincidentally the very elements that make this Bay Leaf Flavored Indian Tea (Tej Patta Chai) extraordinary. This vibrant brew shares an uncanny resemblance with my experience as a New Yorker—diverse, intense, and unapologetically authentic—it’s been a regular feature in my repertoire and rightly so!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of loose black tea
- 6 fresh bay leaves (tej patta)
- 1 tablespoon of crushed cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 cloves
- 2 teaspoons of crushed ginger
- 6 teaspoons of sugar, or to taste
- 1.5 cups of whole milk
Method
Step One
Start by bringing the 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the loose black tea to the pot.
Step Two
While the tea is steeping, add in the 6 fresh bay leaves (tej patta), the tablespoon of crushed cardamom pods, the single cinnamon stick, the 6 cloves, and the 2 teaspoons of crushed ginger. Stir all of these ingredients together and let them boil together for around 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step Three
After the tea has steeped and the flavors have infused, add the 6 teaspoons of sugar to the pot and stir until it dissolves fully. You can adjust the sugar to taste, adding more if you prefer a sweeter chai.
Step Four
Once the sugar has dissolved, pour in the 1.5 cups of whole milk. Stir this in well and let the tea simmer for about 5 more minutes.
Step Five
After it’s done simmering, strain the tea into cups to remove the solids. Your Bay Leaf Flavored Indian Tea (Tej Patta Chai) is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor!
