Chai - lovingly open the spices

I watched this beautiful video earlier in the year about how to make the India spice tea, chai. This tea is not just about tea - it’s about meditation. This video is well worth watching. I have also included my very own chai recipe below, inspired by watching this video.

Janie’s Chai

Makes one cup:

5cm of a cinnamon stick

3 slices fresh ginger

1 cm chunk of fresh turmeric (or 1/6 t of powder turmeric)

Aromatic spices for grinding (3 cloves, 3 black peppercorns, 1/3 t fennel seeds, 4 cardamom pods)

1 t black tea

½ c milk (option)

½ t jaggery or sugar or honey (optional)

Pinch saffron (for super special occasions or moments you need self-care)

Boil one cup of water (lid off). Lovingly open the aromatic spices (as opposed to grinding them). Use the process as a meditation. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add tea. Simmer 1 minute. Add milk if you want. Strain. Drink without phones, TV, distraction. Breathe. Enjoy each sip. Meditation chai.