Tandoori Chai or Kulhad Chai is a delicious twist on the regular tea where Masala Chai is smoked by putting in a hot kulhad or clay mug. Here is how to make it at home.
If you are Tea fan, then you can try some more Tea recipes – Indian Masala Chai, Adrak Wali Chai, Kashmiri Tea Kahwa, Herbal Saffron Tea, and Turmeric Ginger Tea.
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What is Tandoori Chai?
Tandoori Chai is your same old masala chai with a twist, that gives it a nice earthy and smoky flavor making it even more amazing. You can serve this quirky chai to your guests and surprise them with this unique subtle clay pot flavor.
I tried this Tandoori Chai or Kulhad Chai here in Pune, which is very famous among the locals. When my friends told me about it, I thought to give it a visit. I liked the subtle smoky flavor so much, that I bought some Kulhads on my way home and tried making this Tandoori Tea. And it came out just like the one I had at the tea shop.
Since then, whenever we are in a mood to sip on some Tandoori Tea, especially during the cold rainy days, I make it at home using this innovative technique that I will tell you further in this recipe.
It is actually an old and traditional way of making Chai, but it was limited to only some houses that follow the traditional method of making Tea. But, now, it has become a trend and can be found in many small tea shops and restaurants.
But what’s more interesting is that you don’t need to visit or look for these places to enjoy this smoky Chai, you can very easily make it at home. the regular chai absorbs the flavors from the hot clay pot, giving it a very unique flavor profile.
In this recipe, chai is made in the usual way and then poured in a hot clay pot so that it absorbs the flavors of the clay pot and gives it a distinct taste and smoky flavor.
So next time you see Kulhads on your way home, buy it immediately and try making this Tandoori Tea at home. You can even make a large batch in a clay matka and call it matka chai 🙂
This Kulhad Chai is,
- Refreshing
- Smoky
- Delicious & Strong
- Made with a twist
- Perfect to sip on rainy days
Ingredients
You just need the usual tea ingredients for Tandoori Tea Recipe too, such as – Milk, Water, Black Tea, Sugar, and Chai Masala.
Use any black tea, that is used regularly at your home for your morning tea.
You can use homemade Chai Masala or if you are short on time, use a store-bought one. I prefer homemade masala, as it has a unique and fresh taste.
I sometimes like to skip sugar and add jaggery powder in the tea for a healthy alternative.
The most important thing that you will need is clay pots or as they are called Kulhad in local language. You can find these at any pottery stores near you r even online.
How to make Tandoori Chai?
Heat water in a pan.
Add black tea, sugar, chai masala and bring the water to a boil.
Add milk.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low flame. and then strain the tea.
Heat a clay mug on direct flame until very hot. Keep rotating the mug while heating.
Now keep the hot mug in a pan.
Strain the tea in the hot clay pot.
The tea will ooze out because of the heated clay pot.
Pour the tea in a fresh mug.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need a clay pot or any earthen pot to make this chai, as you need to heat it on direct flame. Also, the earthy flavor that is the USP of this chai comes from the clay pot.
The easiest way of getting Kulhad is from the local market. They are easily available with the traditional clay pot vendors who also sell other clay pot items such as Matka at a very reasonable price.
But as it is growing popular day by day, you can also find it in utensil shops. If you don’t find it anywhere you can also find it online on websites such as Amazon etc.
I have always enjoyed it with Dairy Milk, but if you like a vegan version you can try the same with Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or any other plant-based milk that you prefer.
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Recipe Card
Tandoori Chai Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Black Tea
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Chai Masala Powder
Instructions
- Heat water in a pan.
- Add black tea, sugar, chai masala and bring the water to a boil.
- Add milk and cook for another 2-3 minutes on low flame. Strain the tea and keep aside.
- Heat a clay mug on direct flame until very hot.
- Keep rotating the mug while heating.
- Now keep the hot mug in a pan.
- Pour the tea in the hot mug.
- Let it sizzle for a minute.
- Pour the tea in another clean cup and serve.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!