Masala Chai I'd like to Try

 INGREDIENTS

8 

green cardamom pods

5 

cloves

1/4 tsp. 

fennel seeds

1/2 tsp. 

black peppercorns

1 

cinnamon stick

1 

star anise

1 1/2 c. 

water

Pinch ground nutmeg

1" fresh ginger, grated

2 tbsp. 

loose leaf black tea

1 1/2 c. 

whole milk

1 

to 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

 

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small pot over low heat, toast all spices except nutmeg until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, of the back of your knife, crack and crush open the cardamom, cloves, fennel seeds, and peppercorns.
2. Return pot to medium-low heat and bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add all spices, ginger, and tea. Gently simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in milk and sugar and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently to prevent milk from burning on the bottom of the pot. Optionally, to aerate and build creaminess into the chai, use a ladle to repeatedly scoop and pour chai back into the pot, from a slight height. 
4. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes more before straining out spices and serving.