LIFESTYLE
TRADITIONAL INDIAN CHAI with a Hint of Ayurveda BY INDU ARORA (SHE/HER)
A Seasonal Cup of (Authentic Indian) Chai Solves Everything — Even Changing Weather
“Chai can be a perfect pairing for welcoming guests, inducing relaxation, waking you up if you feel too sleepy, or at times, remedying a headache or warding off boredom.”
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ndia runs on chai! There are endless reasons for chai. Served as an everyday morning beverage or to celebrate an everyday mundane evening, chai can be a perfect pairing for welcoming guests, inducing relaxation, waking you up if you
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feel too sleepy, or at times, remedying a headache or warding off boredom. If it’s raining and chilly outside or if it’s too hot and you need to cool down — the list goes on and on. But what you get at the corner coffee shop — that tall, syrupy drink — is that really chai? Truth is, it cannot be further from real chai: a freshly brewed cup of black tea (Assam CTC), seasoned with spices and herbs (seasonal!) with full cream/whole milk. Did you notice there is no concentrate or chai syrup mentioned? And it is never iced. FUN FACT: My father used to get sneezy with a runny nose very often. I remember it clearly. Using his nasal voice, his eyes peeking from above his low-setting prescription glasses, he used to call my mother very lovingly, “Rani, will you please make me a cup of Kali Mirch waali chai
(black pepper-infused tea)?” My mother used to always answer by saying “Jee,” which means “of course.” He used to slurp it from the saucer and always complimented her, “Today, you made it so tasty.” Every. Single. Time. I guess I am finally warming up to you. If it were not for chai, I would have not shared my personal story with you. I would love to know some of your stories, too. Tag me on Instagram @Induaroraofficial and share when you make your version of chai inspired by this recipe. We are official chai buddies now. The following Chai recipe is from the book SOMA 100 Heritage Recipes for SelfCare by Indu Arora. The book is available as an e-book from the author’s website: www.yogsadhna.com +
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