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Masala Journey
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Sweets & Drinks

Cardamom-scented finishers and cool, creamy sips.

15 minServes 2

Proper Masala Chai

Strong black tea simmered with ginger and whole spices, the way it is made in home kitchens.

Proper Masala Chai
5 minActive
10 minCook
2Servings
EasyLevel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp loose Assam tea (or 2 tea bags)
  • 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp sugar, or to taste

Journey note: crushing the cardamom pods with their husks gives the best aroma.

Method

  1. Infuse. Simmer water with ginger, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon for 3 minutes.
  2. Brew. Add the tea and simmer 2 minutes until dark.
  3. Add milk. Pour in the milk and sugar and bring to the edge of a boil.
  4. Lift. Let it rise twice, lifting the pot off the heat each time.
  5. Strain. Strain into cups and serve piping hot.
5 minServes 2

Cardamom Mango Lassi

A thick, cooling mango yogurt drink, perfect after spicy food.

Cardamom Mango Lassi
5 minActive
0 minCook
2Servings
EasyLevel

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ripe mango pulp (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cold milk
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • Ice cubes
  • Chopped pistachios, to garnish

Journey note: frozen mango chunks make it thick and frosty without extra ice.

Method

  1. Blend. Combine mango, yogurt, milk, honey and cardamom in a blender.
  2. Chill. Add a handful of ice and blend until completely smooth.
  3. Taste. Adjust sweetness; canned mango is usually sweeter than fresh.
  4. Pour. Divide between tall glasses.
  5. Garnish. Top with pistachios and a pinch of cardamom.
1 hrServes 6

Saffron Rice Kheer

Creamy Indian rice pudding slowly simmered with cardamom and saffron.

Saffron Rice Kheer
10 minActive
50 minCook
6Servings
EasyLevel

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 4 cardamom pods, crushed
  • Pinch of saffron
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • 2 tbsp golden raisins
  • 1 tsp rose water (optional)

Journey note: it thickens as it cools, so loosen with a splash of milk if needed.

Method

  1. Start. Bring milk to a gentle boil in a heavy pot with the rice and cardamom.
  2. Simmer. Cook on low for 40 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is very soft and the milk reduced.
  3. Sweeten. Stir in sugar and saffron; simmer 5 more minutes.
  4. Add nuts. Fold in almonds and raisins.
  5. Serve. Finish with rose water; enjoy warm or chilled.