11/19/2024
The early days of 2023 call for our favorite thing...a recipe with HERBS! 🌿
We are decocting a batch of this tasty adaptogenic chai for a sip of warming, wellness-promoting brew! Chai is a cherished Ayurvedic tradition, originating in India. This recipe makes enough for two big cups of tea. Double or triple the batch size and keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Pour yourself a cup to enjoy while you create your herbal vision board. 📓
ADAPTOGEN-RICH CHAI FOR THE NEW YEAR 💫
🍃 ½ teaspoon clove (Syzygium aromaticum) buds
🍃 1 teaspoon cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) pods
🍃 ½ teaspoon dried ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome or 3 to 4 slices fresh ginger rhizome
🍃 2 teaspoons cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp. ) chips or one cinnamon stick
🍃 ½ teaspoon black peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
🍃 Pinch anise (Pimpinella anisum) seed, optional
🍃 1 teaspoon ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root
🍃 1 teaspoon astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root
🍃 1 teaspoon eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) root (leave out if enjoying this tea late in the day)
🍃 1 teaspoon tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) leaf
🍃 1 teaspoon rose (Rosa spp.) petal
🍃 4 cups water
🍃 1 cup milk of your choice
🍃 Honey, coconut sugar, or stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) to taste
Directions:
If you have a mortar and pestle, you can crack/grind up the herbs a bit before placing in the pot. If not, just place the herbs in your pot, not to worry, you chai will still be tasty!
In a 2-quart pot, combine the cloves, cardamom pods, ginger (if using dried), cinnamon (if using chips), peppercorns, anise seed, ashwagandha, astragalus, and eleuthero (if using). Add water to the pot with the herbs and bring to a simmer to start decocting your tea. Place a lid on top, bring to a simmer, and let decoct at a simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and add the tulsi and rose petals. Cover and steep for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Add the milk and sweetener. Heat until hot and ready to drink.
Finally, strain out the herbs and enjoy! 🍃🌟🍵
