Take Time To Smell The Chai

( Blog by Sherry Berger)

Today I was thinking back to my volunteer time in Dharamsala. Even though we were all very busy, we’d make time each day to sit and have a very delicious cup (or 2 or 3!) of the Indian spicy tea, “Chai Masala”. The ingredients were ground from scratch each time, making it incredibly rich in aroma and flavor. Whether alone or among friends, the simplicity of making and enjoying a good cup of tea continues to be one of my favorite leisures in life.

Below is “Pinky’s” recipe for a good chai masala…no a GREAT chai masala (from the Curries For A Cause recipe collection, Recipe For Success Fundraiser 2007). I wanted to share it because we all know that any good food or drink is as equally as inspiring as a good piece of art. Your first inclination may be to tuck it away for when you have some time, but keep in mind that taking breaks is not only beneficial mentally and physically, it actually increases productivity, and helps you live a more relaxed and healthy life. So, there’s no better time to stop, slow down, and treat yourself to a little gift called the present moment.

“Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good plays, good company, good conversation – what are they? They are the happiest people in the world.” ~ William Lyon Phelps

Read More: The Health Benefits of Leisure

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Pinky’s Chai Masala

Pinky, 24 is a graduate of Government Degree College, Dharamsala. Her hobbies and interests vary widely from modeling to teaching young children in school. Pinky is also a certified ayurvedic massage therapist as well as a chef at Anathu Ashram in Upper Dari. Her next venture is to return to school to receive her Bachelors in Education and teach senior secondary students. Pinky makes possibly the best chai in Dharamsala, but don’t tell the chai shops that are scattered along the side of the roads in Dharamsala. Perhaps the magic touch is inherited—her father has been running his own chai shop for 11 years!  ~ Pinky’s Story, 2007

Chai Masala

Serves 4

• 3 cloves
• 3 cardamoms
• 2 inch stick cinnamon
• 3 black peppercorn kernels
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
• 3 cups water
• 4 tsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsp dry loose tea
• 1 cup milk

 

Grind all dry ingredients except tea and set aside. Grind ginger and set aside. Bring water to boil in pot. Add all ingredients except milk. Let boil 3 minutes. Add milk and return to boil. Remove from heat and serve.

Good For Your Health!

Due to presence of the spices in it, chai masala has numerous health benefits.

• Drinking tea which consists of chai masala is useful in colds and reduces cough in those people who are prone to common cold.
• Improves energy, vitality, and circulation , hence this beverage is generally consumed in the mornings.
• Rejuvenates the system and aids in digestion.
• Cardamom, present in chai masala; improves digestion and stimulates metabolism.
• Cinnamon is found to have antibacterial and anti fungal infections. It is also proven to reduce blood sugar levels considerably.
• Black Pepper improves digestion and promotes intestinal growth. It helps to decrease blood cholesterol and triglycerides, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Ginger has been used extensively for its health benefits since ages. It relaxes muscles and improves circulation of blood. It reduces inflammation , flatulence and helps in thinning of blood.

 

Chai Masala photo and health benefits courtesy of Tarladalal

Read More: How T o Create Your Own Tea Ritual

 

“Put down the mouse. No one will get hurt.” ~ Cubicle Curtis