Yogic Chai: Coconut Masala Chai
If I could add one extra ingredient to Masala Chai, it would be coconut. Fortunately, Yogic Chai did it for me. This chai consists of all the same organic ingredients as Yogic Chai’s original masala chai with the addition of organic shredded coconut: The organic ingredients consist of: Fair Trade Assam (CTC), cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, shredded coconut, and ginger.
Preparation: I tried to deploy a traditional method of preparing the tea. I used a range burner, small pot (usually making two large cups), and a strainer. I used one teaspoon of Masala Chai per cup (approximately 6-10 ounces). So, you start by filling your favorite cup with water (as a measuring tool), than you pour the water into your pot. If you’re making two or more cups, repeat the process as necessary. Now, set your burner high enough to start heating the water to a boil. I put the dry tea, spices, and herbs in the water almost immediately and let the water come to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, turn the heat down to avoid a mess. Let the chai simmer for about 1-3 minutes. Add milk during the simmering time to allow the ingredients to simmer together. As always, you can add your favorite milk substitute or no milk products – it’s all up to you. After the tea simmers, you can strain the tea into a serving pot. It can be messy and challenging to pour the chai directly into your cup from a pot while holding a strainer. Lastly, pour the chai into your cup and sweeten the beverage using your favorite sweetener. Again, you may like it without sweetener – I know I do. Having said that, I also like to load a cup with sweetener (syrup, brown sugar,etc.) when I’m in the mood for something really sweet. If you want to use your favorite tea maker with a built-in strainer, that’s fine.
The coconut adds not only an extra flavor ingredient, it adds texture to the beverage. The oil from the coconut mixes with the chai to create a creamy texture. The coconut flavor tends to mellow the intense spice flavors in a positive way. The added layer of flavor compliments the other ingredients without compromising the Masala Chai. If you like coconut and chai as much as I do, this is a must try. I can’t say enough about the freshness and authentic nature of Yogic Chai. The Coconut Masala Chai is probably one of the best chais I’ve tried in recent memory. Lastly, if you want a winter themed tea, just pretend the coconut is snow – add a little snow to your chai.
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Tags: Assam, Black Tea, Yogic Chai