Railroad Chai
Railroad Chai
Ingredients
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fennel seed
• 4 whole cloves, or more to taste
• 11/2 teaspoons green cardamom seeds
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 or 5 black tea bags
• 1 teaspoon sugar, or honey to taste
Directions
• Boil water in a saucepan, then add spices. Boil for 3 minutes longer.
• Add milk and bring to a low boil, add tea bags, and lower heat.
• Simmer until tea is strong but not bitter.
• Strain into 4 mugs and sweeten to taste.
Benefits: This is the familiar, beloved tea that is passed out on India’s many railway lines. It has a distinctive flavor due to the use of fennel seeds. Its impressive health properties derive from three sources of antioxidants: fennel, tea, and cloves. Antioxidants boost the immune system and combat free radicals. Other benefits offered by this tea include antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities.