Chai has been gaining in popularity for several years now. The classic Indian spiced chai tea, sometimes also called yogi tea, does not actually contain any tea at all. Instead, it’s a spice mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper. These spices are said to have a warming effect in Ayurveda, the classical Indian art of healing. Originally, the spices were briefly crushed in a mortar and pestle before adding to a pot of water and being brought to the boil. Milk and sugar were added, it was heated again and allowed to steep for a few minutes. Then the brewed “tea” was poured through a sieve and served. 

Today Chai Tea is offered loose, in tea bags and even as powder. From it, the famous Indian Chai can easily be prepared with milk and little fuss. Here’s an easy way: simply froth hot milk and mix with the chai spice blend. You’re allowed to drink milky chai tea from phase 2 if  you have milk on your food list – but please, enjoy it only with your meal and do not use any other protein source for that meal.