My first instinct is always to reduce rather than to add. Masala chai as we know it has a whole array of spices—whole and ground—that makes up its base. My version here, has just three (two actually, since the third is fresh mint leaves). As with many old recipes, there is no definitive version – but if you were to order a cup of masala chai in a tea shop in India, you would most likely find the bold notes of cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. And no mint. Definitely no mint. <br /> <br />I love cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns, just not in my chai. I find that the presence of so many distinct spices together drown out the flavour of the tea; it overpowers. The use of mint in this tea borrows from the Moroccan palate. Although it’s quite unorthodox to pair this zingy herb with ginger and cardamom (in a milk tea!) it works really well here. Is less really more in this instance? <br /> <br />Note: If using tea leaves, follow packet instructions for brewing.

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