As an Indian, ginger is an integral part of my diet, and I grew up consuming it multiple times a day. It could be in smoothies, drinks, but mostly in some vegetable dish known as subzi. However, once I was old enough, I discovered a new way to enjoy it: as ginger tea! And I now drink it every day, usually more than once.
Ginger Black Tea
- Prep Time:5 mins
- Cook Time:3 mins
- Total Time:8 mins
- Servings:1
- Easy
- 1 black tea bag
- 1" knob ginger julienned
- pinch ground cardamom
- 1/2 tbsp honey or raw sugar optional
- 2 tbsp milk or soy milk optional
Ingredients
-
Step 1
boil at least 2 cups of water
meanwhile, julienne the ginger (thinly slice). use 3-4 slices for the tea (or more for stronger), and freeze the rest in a small container for ease of use later -
Step 2
add the tea bag, ginger, and cardamom to a cup (and sugar/honey if using). once the water has boiled, wait a few seconds then SLOWLY pour into the cup. cover and let it steep for 3 minutes then take the tea bag out. i usually reuse the tea bag if i finish the cup immediately too.
AFTER it is fully steeped, add the milk (if using) -
Step 3
let it cool to temp and enjoy!
This is my family's version of chai, and it's not the way-too-spiced American version of chai sold at Starbucks and the like. I drink it when I wake up, for an afternoon pick me up, or even before bed to relax me.
It's more traditional with the milk and sugar, but I cut the sugar out to be a little more health conscious, then I noticed I like it better without it. I especially like it without the milk after a meal or at night before bed as a light drink that helps me digest and relax.
Ginger has a lot of health benefits and that's one of the reasons I love drinking this so much. When I'm sick, I grate in the ginger and use raw local honey in it, which also helps with allergies.
Try it out and see which combination you like best.