Decaf Chai for two
Source: Original recipe by Ayurvedic Chef, Prakash Jaggadappa.
Chai spices: Rose, Star Anise, Clove, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Bay Leaf
Homemade chai is richer and more flavorful than any store-bought concentrate. This chai recipe has no caffein, lightly sweet, and perfectly spiced and soothing for any time of day.
Ingredients:
This recipe is perfect for 2 people, or make it today and save a second cup for tomorrow.
1 ¼ cups Water
1 ½ cups Milk (or your milk substitute of choice)
1 ¼ tsp Fresh Ginger
½ tsp Cardamom Pods(About 2–3 pods, lightly crushed)
½ tsp Rose petals
½ Star anise (or 1 small piece)
2-3 Whole Cloves
2-3 Whole black pepper pods
¾ TBS (about 2 ¼ tsp) Loose Leaf Rooibos tea
1 Bay leaf
¾–1 TBS Jaggery (Adjust to taste) (See note below to learn more about this ingredient*)
Method:
Bring water to a boil
Blend ginger, all spices, and 1/4 of a cup of water in a food processor or blender until a uniformly chopped consistency process about 30 seconds. Avoid blending into a paste.
Add spice mixture to 1 cup water and boil.
Add loose leaf Decaf Rooibos to boiling water, boil for about 5 minutes. (If using Caffeinated Rooibos put the leaves in after adding the milk so that the tea does not become bitter.)
Add Jaggery (or sugar to taste if jaggery is hard to find), then add oat milk (or any milk or milk substitute of choice, avoid coconut milk as it curdles when boiling).
Continue to boil until chai is foaming. It’s done!
Pour into cups using a fine mesh strainer.
Health Benefits of Chai Tea (Ayurvedic Perspective)
Chai tea is more than a cozy spiced drink—it’s a traditional Ayurvedic remedy with powerful health benefits. Made with black tea, milk, jaggery (or another natural sweetener), and warming spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, chai supports overall balance in the body.
Supports Digestion: Ayurvedic spices such as ginger, cardamom, and black pepper strengthen agni (digestive fire), reduce bloating, and improve nutrient absorption.
Boosts Immunity: Cinnamon and cloves are rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties that help the body fight colds and seasonal imbalances.
Improves Circulation & Energy: Black tea naturally energizes, while warming spices improve blood flow and reduce sluggishness.
Balances the Doshas:
Vata → Calming and grounding for the nervous system
Pitta → Cooling and balancing when enjoyed in moderation
Kapha → Stimulating and revitalizing, reducing heaviness
In Ayurveda, the health benefits of chai tea go beyond the physical—it’s also a daily ritual that brings warmth, comfort, and balance to mind and spirit.
What is Jaggery?*
Jaggery is a natural, unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. Packed with minerals and a rich caramel flavor, it’s often used in Indian cooking, chai, and Ayurvedic recipes as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
