Instant Pot masala chai is a modern, convenient method of preparing traditional Indian spiced tea using an electric pressure cooker. It combines the rich flavours of black tea, milk, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger powder, cooked under pressure for a hands-off approach that results in a perfectly infused, comforting beverage. Serve this hot masala chai with Baby Corn Fritters for a delicious evening snack. I also love having it with Masala Kaara Pori.
Masala chai or Masala Tea is a fragrant and flavourful Indian spiced drink that combines black tea leaves or powder with aromatic spices, milk, and sweetener. This comforting beverage offers a perfect balance of warmth and spice, creating a rich, creamy, soothing drink, making it a beloved choice for tea lovers worldwide.
There’s something truly magical about sipping on a warm, aromatic cup of masala chai. Today, we’re diving into Instant Pot masala chai – a quick and modern twist on this classic Indian beverage that makes brewing your perfect cup easier.
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The spice mixture, or masala, used in this chai recipe typically includes cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black peppercorns, though variations exist across regions and households.
Initially, I wondered why we needed the Instant Pot to make something as simple as a cup of tea. But it’s been such a blessing in my kitchen. I dump the ingredients in a bowl, place them in the Instant Pot, and just forget about it. I do not need to babysit and watch if it will spill or burn. This is much easier when I have to make it for many people. Just scale up the ingredients and serve your guests the piping hot, flavourful Instant Pot Tea.
Why you will love this Instant Pot Masala Chai?
Convenience: The Instant Pot simplifies the process of making masala chai. Add all ingredients to a container, set the instant pot and go on to do your work. Hot and flavourful chai will be ready in a few minutes!
Consistent Results: Pressure cooking ensures that the flavours of the spices are perfectly infused into the tea every time.
Enhanced Flavor: The pressure cooking method extracts maximum flavour from the spices, resulting in a more aromatic chai.
No Mess: Say goodbye to boiled-over pots on the stovetop – the Instant Pot keeps everything contained.
Ingredients used to make Masala Chai in Instant Pot
How to make Masala Chai in Instant Pot?
Take a vessel that fits well inside your Instant Pot. To the vessel, add black tea powder, crushed green cardamom, cinnamon stick, clove, ginger powder, black pepper powder, milk and water. Mix them well.
Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Place the vessel directly in the water or keep a trivet and place the vessel on top of the trivet.
Close the instant pot lid and pressure cook for 3 minutes at high-pressure mode. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure manually.
Open the lid and strain the tea. Add sugar or any sweetener of your choice. Mix well and serve the hot tea with your favourite snack or cookie on the side.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Masala Tea
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You could also add a pinch of saffron.
Sweetener Variations: While sugar is commonly used, you can try honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice.
Clean Your Instant Pot: Wash the lid thoroughly before making chai to prevent savoury flavours from previous dishes from affecting your masala tea.
Dedicated Sweet Ring: Consider using a separate silicone ring for recipes like chai to prevent flavour transfer.
Adjust The Ratio: Change the water and milk ratio according to how milky you want the tea. You can also add more tea powder to make a stronger tea. The choice is yours!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your masala chai hot in small cups or glasses, perfect for sipping and savouring.
Enjoy your chai with traditional Indian snacks like samosas, pakoras, or biscuits for a delightful tea-time experience.
Other snack options that can be served with masala Chai are Beetroot Cutlet,
Kappa Vadai, Vazhakkai Kola Urundai.
Masala Chai can also be served with cookies for breakfast. Try my Danish Butter Cookies or Wholewheat Cumin Cookies.
Frequently asked questions
Increase the amount of ginger and black pepper for extra heat.
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients proportionally. The cooking time remains the same.
Absolutely! Traditionally, masala chai is made on the stovetop, and it requires more attention to prevent boiling over or scorching.
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Recipe Card
Instant Pot Masala Chai | Indian Masala Tea
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon Black Tea Powder
- ½ cup Milk
- ½ cup Water
- 1 Cardamom
- 1 Clove
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger Powder
- Black Pepper Powder a small pinch
- Sugar as needed
Instructions
- Take a vessel that fits well inside your Instant Pot. Add black tea powder, crushed green cardamom, cinnamon stick, clove, ginger powder, black pepper powder, milk and water to the vessel. Mix them well.
- Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Place the vessel directly in the water or keep a trivet and place the vessel on top of the trivet.
- Close the instant pot lid and pressure cook for 3 minutes at high-pressure mode. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure manually.
- Open the lid and strain the tea. Add sugar or any sweetener of your choice. Mix well and serve the hot tea with your favourite snack or cookie on the side.