Swap Coffee for Chai: A Gut-Friendly Caffeine Boost
If you’re looking for a milder caffeine boost that’s also gut-friendly, consider swapping your morning coffee for a delicious cup of chai tea. Making your own chai blend from scratch not only ensures fresher flavors but also maximizes the benefits of the spices and herbs. Plus, you can prepare it in batches so it’s always ready to go!
Why Choose Chai?
Chai tea is a comforting beverage that combines black tea with a mix of aromatic spices, providing a unique flavor profile and potential health benefits. The spices in chai—like cardamom, ginger, and fennel—are known for their digestive properties, making this tea a great option for those seeking a gentler caffeine hit.
Homemade Chai Masala Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for making your own chai masala blend. This mix can be made in larger batches and stored for future use.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup whole green cardamom pods (shell on)
- 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon carom seeds
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
How to Make Chai
Once you have your chai masala ready, brewing a cup of chai is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil 8 ounces of water in a small pot.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of your chai masala to the boiling water.
- Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Pour in 2 ounces of your milk of choice (coconut milk works wonderfully!) and reduce the heat.
- Sweeten to taste with your preferred sugar; date sugar or coconut sugar are great options.
- Strain into a cup and enjoy your homemade chai!
Enjoying Your Chai
With its delightful aroma and rich flavors, chai can be a comforting alternative to coffee, offering a unique blend of spices that support digestion and overall well-being. So why not give it a try? Make a batch of chai masala today, and you’ll be ready to enjoy this gut-friendly beverage whenever you need a warm pick-me-up!
