Perfect Breakfast Combo - Black Coffee, Toast & Sunny-Side Up

"The Perfect Breakfast Duo: Crispy Bread Toast and Sunny-Side Up Eggs"

A Break from Blogging and a Journey to Southern Italy

    Life has been a whirlwind lately, keeping me away from my blog. Amid personal commitments and a trip halfway across the globe, I found myself immersed in the picturesque southern region of Italy. Between planning and travelling with my daughter, my mind was constantly pulled in different directions. We spent days exploring the historical and cultural gems of Italy—mountains, beaches, and centuries-old architecture. Of course, there was the inevitable rant about missing good old rice and curry under the scorching Sicilian sun. But that’s the beauty of travel—it broadens your horizons and opens your heart to new experiences and cultures.

Discovering the Sweet Essence of an Italian Breakfast

    While the thrill of travel keeps me on my toes, let’s be honest: food steals the show. A typical Italian breakfast, or Colazione, introduced me to a world of sweetness—Cornettos (Croissants), Brioche, buns dripping with jam, and the iconic Sicilian Gelato served in a brioche bun. The delights didn’t end there. Sicily surprised me with its unique sweet treats like Cannoli, Sicilian almond cookies (pasticcini di mandorla), and the rich Cassata Siciliana. For someone used to savoury breakfasts, this was a sugar rush of epic proportions. Yet, the one constant was the coffee—whether it was a foamy cappuccino, creamy caffé latte, or the locals’ favourite, a strong shot of espresso (Café in their terms & Decoction in our terms).

Craving Familiar Comforts after Italian Indulgence

    Despite the Italian feast of pizzas, pastas, focaccias, and arancinis—capped off with a decadent slice of tiramisu—nothing beats the comfort of home-cooked meals. After soaking in the Sicilian summer, I found myself yearning for something simple, like Thayir Sadham (curd rice) and pickle. Returning home, there was nothing more satisfying than this meal to recover from the trip. Once settled, I turned to my favourite breakfast—a classic toast with sunny-side up eggs and a robust cup of coffee—to soothe my soul and set the stage for getting back into my blogging routine.

Pair it with Your Favourite Beverage: Don’t forget to check out delicious Beverages Recipes for the perfect coffee, tea, or chocolate drink to complement your breakfast!

Cuisine: Continental
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Servings: 1-2 servings
Yield: 2 slices of toasted bread with 1 sunny-side up egg
Author: SM

 
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

 

For a quick and nutritious breakfast option, try a wide range of Smoothies. They’re perfect for those busy mornings when you need a boost!

 

"Master the Perfect Sunny-Side Up Egg on Toast: A Step-by-Step Guide"

Morning Fuel - Black Coffee Paired with Toast & Egg

The Ultimate Breakfast Combo - A Quick and Easy Meal

    After returning home from my recent trip, I was greeted by a loaf of fresh bread, and instantly, my mind was set on creating this heartwarming combo. Knowing my obsession with this dish, my husband thoughtfully picked up a loaf, anticipating my craving for my all-time favourite breakfast combo: Toasted Bread with Sunny Side Up Eggs! This hearty dish transcends breakfast; it's a comforting anytime meal that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Golden Yolk Sunny-Side Up Egg - A Breakfast Classic

Toasting Techniques: Find Your Perfect Method

    When it comes to toasting bread, everyone has their preferred method to achieve that perfect crisp. Whether you choose a classic electric toaster or a convenient toaster oven, the goal is the same: golden-brown perfection.

The Art of Toasting Bread

    Toasting bread is a cherished culinary tradition that dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was discovered as a way to rejuvenate stale bread. Today, bread toast remains one of the most versatile and delicious options for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.

Versatile Toasting Methods

    The beauty of toast lies in its adaptability. You can create a delightful slice from virtually any type of bread, using a variety of methods. Whether you prefer a classic toaster, a conventional oven, an open flame, or a frying pan, there’s no shortage of ways to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. Plus, the options for toppings are limitless, allowing you to tailor each slice to your taste preferences.

 

Toasting the Bread: A Timeless Tradition

Crispy Toast and Sunny-Side Up Egg - A Balanced Start

Choosing the Right Bread

    When it comes to selecting bread for toasting, there are plenty of options. White, wheat, rye, and multi-grain breads all work beautifully. Personally, I adore the traditional soft sandwich bread, which is always pre-sliced, ensuring a uniform toast that's ideal for making crunchy sandwiches or pairing with breakfast dishes.

Revitalise Stale Bread

    Have some stale bread lying around? Don’t toss it out! Toasting stale bread can bring it back to life, enhancing its flavour and texture. This revitalising technique is why toasting has stood the test of time!

Enhance Your Breakfast Experience

    To elevate your breakfast, consider adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of your favourite seasoning to the eggs for an extra kick. This simple combo can be easily adapted to suit your taste buds, making it a versatile choice for any meal of the day.

 

Mastering the Art of Toasting: A Guide to Perfect Toast

Golden Crispy Toast with a Hint of Sunny-Side Up Egg

Key Factors for Toasting Bread

When it comes to achieving the perfect toast, two crucial factors come into play:  

• Time &
• Heat.

Finding Your Ideal Browning Level

    The longer you toast your bread, the darker and crispier it will become. To achieve your desired level of browning, it's essential to adjust both the heat and the cooking time. Whether you prefer a light golden hue or a deep, rich brown, fine-tuning these elements is key.

The Family Method: Pan Toasting

    Personally, I've cherished the traditional method I grew up with—my mum would toast bread on our trusty old chapati griddle or a Pan. This method allows for a simple, butter-free toast that beautifully enhances the bread's natural flavour.  This age-old method has been a staple in our kitchen for generations. Simply place your bread in a dry pan and let the heat work its magic.   For added richness, I recommend a light smear of butter. However, you can achieve excellent results even without butter or oil.

A Desi Twist: Toasting with Ghee - For a unique twist, I sometimes elevate my toast game by using ghee—a traditional Indian clarified butter. This adds a delicious depth of flavour that complements the toast perfectly.

* Trivia: What is Texas Toast?

    Did you know that frying toast with a bit of butter or oil is often referred to as "Texas Toast"? This method not only creates a crisp texture but also results in a golden crust that’s irresistibly delicious.

 

Perfect Toasted Bread Recipe: A Simple Guide

Perfect Breakfast Combo - Black Coffee, Toast & Sunny-Side Up

Ingredients for Delicious Toast

To make the perfect toasted bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread (Brown or White): 2 slices
• Butter: 1 tablespoon

 

Method: How to Toast Bread to Perfection

• Prepare Your Pan - Start by heating a pan over medium heat. Once the pan is warmed up, reduce the flame to low-medium to ensure gentle toasting.
• Butter the Bread - Using a butter knife or a flat spoon, smear some butter on each side of the bread slices. This step is essential for achieving a rich, golden crust.
• Toast the Bread - Carefully place one or two slices of bread onto the pan. It's important to toast the bread over low heat to prevent excessive browning or charring, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Flip and Finish - After a few minutes, flip the bread slices to toast the other side. Continue to toast until both sides are browned to your liking.
• Serve and Enjoy - Once your bread slices are perfectly toasted, remove them from the pan. Repeat the process with any remaining slices.

 

The Showstopper: Perfect Sunny-Side Up Eggs

Golden Yolk Sunny-Side Up Egg - A Breakfast Classic

Mastering the Art of Sunny-Side Up Eggs

    Let’s dive into the star of the breakfast table—Sunny-Side Up Eggs! These eggs are not just delicious; they also serve as the perfect complement to your toasted bread. However, achieving that ideal sunny-side up egg requires careful attention to heat and technique.

1) Heat Control - Proper heat control is essential when cooking sunny-side up eggs:

• Too Much Heat: If the pan is too hot, the egg whites will toughen and develop brown edges, ruining the delicate texture.
• Too Low Heat: Conversely, cooking on too low a heat can lead to yolks that cook partway through before the whites are fully set.

To achieve perfection, start with the right heat setting—medium-low is ideal.

2) Oil is a crucial ingredient for sunny-side up eggs. A little bit of oil is essential as it helps to set the whites without covering the pan, ensuring that the yolks remain visible and perfectly runny. The hot oil creates a barrier that prevents the whites from spreading too thin while allowing them to cook evenly.

3) Seasoning - Season after the eggs are done.  Seasoning, a Sunny-Side Up Egg is always with Salt & Pepper.  I usually just sprinkle a dash of Salt. 

 

Ready to eat -Perfect Sunny-Side Up Perfection

Essential Ingredients for Sunny-Side Up Eggs

To create these delectable eggs, you’ll need:

• Egg: 1 large
• Oil: 1 teaspoon (preferably olive or vegetable oil)
• Salt: To taste
• Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

Method:

• Heat the Oil - Begin by heating the oil in a pan over medium-low flame.
• Crack the Egg - Gently crack the egg into the pan.
• Cook to Perfection - Cook for about three minutes, until the whites are mostly set, leaving a bit of runny white near the yolk.
• Season and Serve - Once cooked to your liking, sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper on top. Carefully remove the egg from the pan and serve hot.

Looking for another egg dish?

• Try this  Classic Omelette Recipe which is versatile and can be customised with your favourite fillings.
• Try Scrambled Eggs with a Twist for a fluffy, delicious alternative that pairs well with toast!

Perfectly Cooked Sunny-Side Up Egg in Close-Up

Helpful Cooking Tips & Notes:

• When cracking the egg, aim for a gentle action—there should be no hissing sound.
• Ensure the egg lies flat and still in the pan; if you hear sizzling or see the whites fluttering, reduce the heat immediately. Too much heat will toughen the whites, leading to an undesirable texture.
• Remember to season the eggs after they are done cooking to avoid drawing out moisture. 
  
• Try Variations: Experiment with different types of bread or toppings to put your unique spin on this breakfast classic!

Breakfast Variations with Bread

• Garlic Bread: If you love the crispy texture of toasted bread, don’t miss this Garlic Bread recipe. It’s the perfect side for any meal and adds a delightful garlic kick!
• French Toast: Craving something sweet? Check out Classi French Toast recipe, which offers a delicious twist on classic breakfast fare, perfect for satisfying your morning sweet tooth.
• Japanese Egg Mayo Sandwich: If you enjoyed the eggs in this recipe, you’ll love this soft & silky Japanese Egg Mayo Sandwich. It's a unique and creamy way to enjoy eggs for lunch or a light breakfast.
• Baguette Pizza: Looking to switch things up? Try this Baguette Pizza for a fun and delicious take on pizza that’s perfect for brunch!
  

 

Hearty Breakfast Combo - Black Coffee, Toast & Sunny-Side Up Egg

A Breakfast to Remember

    There’s nothing quite like the delightful combination of toasted bread and sunny-side up eggs to elevate your breakfast game. This simple yet satisfying meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavour and nutrition, making it the perfect way to kick-start your day. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with your favourite beverage, this breakfast combo offers a delicious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

    Next time you ponder what to prepare for breakfast, let this classic duo be your inspiration.  Embrace the warmth of golden toast and the richness of perfectly cooked eggs to create a wholesome morning ritual that fuels your body and spirit. It's the perfect way to start a day!

    Explore More Recipes: Check out Essence of Life - Food, for more delicious recipes and cooking tips to keep your mornings vibrant and energised.    

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

     Arisi Upma Kozhukattai is one tiffin item I frequent at home.  All these days, I had thought my husband wouldn't prefer eating it as Arisi Upma.  I couldn't say why, I had assumed it so.  To my dismay, I found that he liked the dish when we dined at Mangalambika Coffee House at Kumbakonam during our recent trip to India.  We went to Kumbakonam with the sole intention of trying out their popular Kumbakonam Degree Coffee, and we were amazed by the Coffee and the tiffin items.  From the long list of dishes we ordered, and we all took turns sharing and eating all the dishes, so that we wouldn't miss out the taste of any.  It was a whole family trip and all loved this Arisi Upma along with Kumbakonam Degree Coffee. 

    So, for the recent reminiscence, Arisi Upma - which is from my long forgotten collection of recipes from my college days.  Just what I needed was to adjust the Rice : Water Ratio as perfect as for Arisi Upma.    Rice/Arisi Upma is one of the popular tiffin items in a Brahmin household. This is a simple recipe made with coarsely ground rice which is called as NOI or KURUNAI ARISI. The only work in terms of this tiffin item is soaking the raw rice, and then drying it indoor for a few hours until all the moist is gone, then pulsing it in a dry mixer grinder jar into a coarse rice powder a.k.a kurunai like texture.  Once you have the rice kurunai(small tit bits), then the job gets easier.

    For Arisi Upma, add a bit of Peppercorns, Cumin and Tuvar dhal before grinding it coarsely.  This gives out a wonderful flavour to the dish.  Then the Rice mixture is cooked along with seasoning until 1/2 cooked and then again it is cooked for about 3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker.  This is the main trick which results in a perfectly textured soft Arisi Upma.

     Arisi Upma, is an easy and tasty breakfast/dinner dish popular in a Tamil Brahmin household.  Some prepare the same adding a bit of extra Dhal(Tuvar/Moong Dhal) to it. As such each household has a unique recipe of their own and this is how I make.  Arisi Upma goes well with tangy curries like Puli Kos, Brinjal Gothsu, Puli Kuzhambu or simply serve it with your choice of Chutney or Sambar.  

For more TIFFIN ITEMS, Click here... 


Cuisine : South Indian
Course : Main Course
Difficulty : Medium
Serves : 3-4
Yields : 15 Nos.
Author : SM

For more SOUTH INDIAN BREAKFAST RECIPES, Click here...

HOW TO MAKE RICE / ARISI UPMA

 

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

INGREDIENTS:

For Grinding:

For Arisi Upma:

To make Noi Arisi:

• Soak the raw rice for 15 mins in water. 
• After 15 mins, drain the water and spread the rice in a clean kitchen towel and allow it to dry completely. 
• Can dry the Rice indoor under a fan.
• Once the rice is dry, add Cumin Seeds, 3/4 Teaspoon Peppercorns & Tuvar Dhal along with the rice & then grind it into a coarse powder in a dry mixer grinder jar.  
• Just pulse it once or twice. It should not be ground into a fine powder.
• Noi Arisi seasoned with spices is ready for making Arisi Upma.

ARISI UPMA - RICE UPMA

Cheru Payar Curry served with Puttu, Pappadam, and Pazham

Cheru Payar Curry | Kerala Green Gram Curry for Puttu

If you're looking for a comforting, nourishing, and soul-satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with Puttu, Cheru Payar Curry (Kerala Green Gram Curry) is your answer. Lightly spiced, rich in coconut flavour, and packed with protein, this traditional curry brings together health, taste, and culture in one humble bowl.

Classic Kerala Breakfast - Puttu, Kadala, Pazham, Pappadam

Kerala-Style Breakfast – Puttu, Kadala Curry, Pazham & Pappadam

പ്രാതൽ  – പുട്ട്, കടല, ചെറുപയർ, പഴം, പപ്പടം

 “The aroma of freshly steamed Puttu and spicy Kadala Curry has this time-travel magic. For me, it’s an olfactory ticket to lazy Sunday mornings, steel tumblers of chaya, and echoing sounds from the kitchen. Only a true-blue Malayalee (or an honorary one!) can appreciate the tender crunch and coconutty soul of a well-made Puttu.”

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

    When we talk about Chai or in Indian terms - a Tea. It's just brewed tea decoction mixed along with Milk and sweetened with Sugar(?).  But in elaborate terms it can be named as Masal Chai.  Masal Chai is nothing but spicing up a simple Chai or Chaya(that's what we call Tea) with a few spices from the pantry.  Cardamom is the showstopper, and sometimes we do add spices like Dry Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove or a spice mix of all the above & a few other Indian Spices like Fennel, Peppercorns, Nutmeg etc.,  Even we make it a bit intricate and aromatic by adding Dry Rose buds/petals or Mint Leaves.    Well, a cup of aromatic spiced Chai is sure to tantalize your senses, if you are a Tea Person.

    Fresh Spice powders gives out an aroma worth the time.  But every time you pound fresh spices and then add them while brewing a tea is mostly a bit of time taking.  So as normal as any Indian kitchen, we all do have a blend of spices for Masal Chai, readily available when you are in a mood for an aromatic Masal Chai.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

    Homemade Chai Masala or Tea Masala is an aromatic blend of whole spices which makes Indian tea flavourful. Add this to your Masala Chai to make the perfect fragrant tea.  I usually make a small batch at a time and store it in an airtight container.  It is a quick fix and quick mix recipe, and what goes inside a Chai Masal Powder depends on personal preferences. More or less of an ingredient of your choice.  

    This Chai Masala Powder recipe has most of the spices normally used for preparing a perfect Indian style Kadak Masal Chai (Strong Spicy Tea).  So what makes an Indian Chai Masala Powder?

Fresh and new spices, and then store the ground Chai Masala Powder in an airtight container.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

• Cloves : Cloves have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory  properties. It adds a slight spicy note with a deep earthy flavour to the Tea.
• Green Cardamom : Cardamom has antioxidants and cancer fighting compounds. It adds a mild sweetness with a wonderful aroma to the Tea.  Cardamom, as it is, does a wholesome justice for a Masal Chai.
  
• Black Peppercorns : Black peppers have anti-inflammatory properties. I usually do not add Peppercorns to Chai Masala, but if you prefer a spicy kick in your Tea, then peppercorns are a must add.
  
• Cinnamon : Cinnamon is an amazing spice with powerful medicinal properties. It gives a mild not of sweetness and a wonderful aroma to the Tea Mix.
  
• Dried Ginger Powder : Fresh Ginger is widely preferred while making a Masal chai.  But for a Spice Mix, dry ginger powder works best.  Ginger helps reduce inflammation and improves digestion and immunity.
• Rose Petals : It is an optional ingredient, but if you love a subtle aroma of rose in your tea, then add a few dried petals. Rose petals make the Tea fragrant, and it's certain to sooth your senses.
  

    Can add a few other spices like Fennel, Nutmeg etc., along with the above spices or just make it with the spices of your choice. Can make this Indian Masal Chai a bit more intricate by finishing it off, by serving it with a few mint leaves.  All the ingredients which goes into this spice powder mix are sure to appease your senses, tantalize your buds and also aids you with therapeutic properties.

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

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 HOW TO MAKE INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER/ SPICE POWDER FOR INDIAN MASAL TEA

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

INGREDIENTS:

Indian Chai Masala Powder:

Cinnamon(1") - 6 Sticks
Black Peppercorns - 1 Teaspoon (Optional)
Green Cardamom - 1 Tablespoon
Cloves - 1 Tablespoon
Dry Ginger(1" Piece) - 2 Nos.
Dried Rose Petals - 1 Tablespoon (Optional) 

INDIAN CHAI MASALA POWDER

NOTES:

• The traditional recipe calls for Cardamom & Ginger or dry ginger as main ingredients.
• Add the rest of the ingredients to suit your preference.
• Apart from the spices mentioned above, can add spices like Fennel Seeds, Nutmeg etc., 
  
• Can grind it into a fine/coarse powder. You can even sift the ground powder & store it, if you prefer.
• I usually make this Indian Chai Masla Powder in small batches.  This way it retains most of its flavours and aroma.
• Add any preferred sweetener. Can serve this Masal Chai without any sweeteners too.
• Tastes and serves best with its curative properties when served HOT.

INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA

    I am a Coffee person, nothing rejuvenates me, rather than a strong aromatic Cup of Coffee right in the morning.    Searching through my thoughts & while unravelling through my memories, I have drank cups & cups of tea many times during my childhood days. Spicing up a simple Chai(in Hindi) or Chaya(that's what we call Tea in Malayalam) with a few spices from the pantry.  Cardamom is the showstopper, and sometimes we do add spices like Dry Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove or a spice mix of all the above a few other Indian Spices like Fennel and Peppercorns.  Even we make it a bit intricate and aromatic by adding Dry Rose buds/petals or Mint Leaves.

    Well, a cup of aromatic spiced Chai is sure to tantalize your senses, if you are a Tea Person.  I quit drinking tea when I got pregnant with my son.  The only food I have avoided since those old days of morning sickness.  A sense of repulse which overtook my senses and regret that I am not able to get even with it until today.  But, it is only with Milk Teas and not the Black ones, but it makes me hyperactive drinking a Black Tea, Chinese Tea, Green Tea.  It is almost 25 years since I lost my friendship with Tea or the so-called Chai/Chaya, and it is not ready to get in terms with me whatsoever.

    But, I do make intricately spiced Tea at home, sometimes for my husband and mostly for my daughter.  My daughter quit Coffee for a long list of good reasons, as she was overwhelmingly getting addicted to it with her late night and a few hours of sleep study cycle for the past 3 years. So, whenever she is in the mood for a packet of Indian Parle-G or Malaysian Tiger Biscuits, there I make Tea, especially Masal Chai. 

    I am not sure how my Tea tastes, but I always have got comments (since my school days) that my Tea tastes good, and I am still not sure how.  I work with an eye-balling technique while making tea.  No tasting and no smelling, but still I try to get it perfect every time I make it. That's what the guinea pigs (My Tea Tasters) say...

So here goes a recipe for a wonderful cup of Indian Masal Chai...

INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA

So what makes a good Indian style Masal Chai or Spiced Milk Tea?

Milk:

Milk, Obviously...

In India, as a norm, every Chai wallahs and households use fresh cow milk or the ones available in packets which has become the style of selling pasteurized fresh Cow Milk in India.  Use whole milk or low fat milk to suit your preference.  Even Milk Powders diluted in water can be used instead of fresh milk.  Sweetened Creamers or Dairy/non-dairy whiteners (as in Malaysian grocery terms) are milk substitutes used here locally for making Tea, colloquially called Teh and the creamers are one best option for creamy when it comes to Malaysian favourite Teh Tarik(pulled Tea).

Tea:

Then of course you need a good quality Tea leaves - Black Tea.  Preferably Brooke Bond Three Roses Tea, an Indian Brand, which we have known through our growing age. Such products & brands live through our life in terms of taste, memory and nostalgia. Feel free to use your preferred Tea Leaves or Tea Dust. I use Yellow Lipton Tea which is commonly available in Malaysian Market and shop online for Three Roses Tea.

Spices:

    Chai Wallahs or the Tea vendors have their own blend of Spices for a Masal Chai, and it varies with Chai wallahs, as specifically to each Kitchen.  You can simply add a few pods of Cardamom and still it is called Masal Chai.  Or go with your whims and fancies to make it intricate, aromatic and absolutely delectable with your preferred spices & herbs. I usually make a Masal Mix for this Chai which is a blend of a few Spices like Cardamom, Dry Ginger, Cinnamon Clove and Dry Rose Petals.  Can also add spices like Peppercorns and Fennel.  The amount of each spice also goes with your liking.  

    Then instead of Dry-Ginger can use fresh Ginger along with a few other spices.  Or simply make Adrak ka Chai or Inji Tea, just with an extra bit of ginger in the tea.  Sometimes I even add a few dried rose petals or Mint Leaves while making Masal Chai. 

In my opinion, it is always improvising and fine-tuning. Without me tasting...

Sweetener:

    How to sweeten the Chai - a simple add-on of Sugar is what is needed to sweeten the Tea.  Use your preferred sweetener of choice.  

Tips to make the perfect Masala Chai:

INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA

Water Milk Ratio:

    How you prefer the Chai is what fixes this ratio, a personal preference.  I make Chai mostly with a Ratio of 3/4 Cup of Milk & 1/4 Cup of Water.  If you like richer, thicker tea, you could use more milk and less water or for a stronger tea, use even lesser milk.  

When to Add Spices:

    Make sure that the water is simmering before you add Tea Leaves & Chai Masala/Spices.

    Dry Ginger or Fresh Ginger - I prefer dry Ginger in Masal Chai which gives an intricate note, but fresh ginger is the most preferred version according to Indian taste buds.  Add ginger along with the Chai Masala/Spices to the simmering water.  Make sure to add it before adding milk, otherwise the milk may curdle.

When to Add the Tea Leaves:

    When the spice mix bubbles up, then add the Tea Leaves.  Do not boil the tea leaves/Tea dust for a long time, which can make the Tea bitter.  Give a gentle swirl occasionally while boiling the tea leaves. 

    Finally, add Milk & Sugar, mix well, pull it up to make a froth.  Pour in and serve Garma Garam Hot Tea - the humble Indian Masal Chai.

    Enjoy Masala Chai by dipping a biscuit or a piece of Rusk. Parle-G, Milk Bikis, Marie Biscuits and Milk Rusk are my personal suggestions - which goes a nostalgic way. Or simply pair it up with Tea time snacks like Vadai, Vazhakka Bhajji,Undam Pori, Pazham Pori, Sugiyan, Onion Pakoda, Cutlets, Egg Puff, Vegetable Puff etc., & etc., goes well with Snacks like Murukku, South Indian Mixture, Namkeens etc.,

For more TEA TIME SNACKS, Click here...

Cuisine - Indian
Recipe Type - Beverage
Difficulty - Easy - Medium
Serves - 1
Author - SM   

Brewing Time - 5 Minutes
Preparation Time - 5-10 Minutes

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HOW TO MAKE INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA

INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA

INGREDIENTS:

For Masal Chai:

Spices if not using Chai Masala:

• Boil water in a pot on Medium-high flame.
• When water starts to simmer, add crushed spices or Chai Masala Powder along with slightly crushed fresh ginger.
• Reduce the heat to low and bring the water to boil.
• Then, add Tea leaves and boil this for a minute. 
• Give a gentle swirl occasionally, so that the tea leaves and spices gets well infused into the decoction.
• Can add Sugar at this stage or can add it while serving.
• Pour in the Milk and stir well.
• Bring the Tea to a Boil. Now, switch off the flame.
• Strain the tea into another pot, gently pull it up to and fro into another cup so that it froths.
• Pour it out into the serving Tea Cup and enjoy Garma Garam (Hot) Chai with your choice of biscuits or toasts or with snacks and savouries.
• Masala Chai serves best as a morning tea or along with breakfast too.
  

INDIAN MASAL CHAI - SPICED TEA