Oh chai, how I love you, let me count the ways~

Just finished a big cup of chai and the world is good again. No matter how crappy my day is, no matter how sleepy/tired/depressed I am, chai is like some kind of Prozac-in-a-cup which fills my mind with images of sunlight peeking through trees, and long bus rides on empty roads, with your favourite song playing in the background. And the world seems like I'm seeing it through Instagram *cough* rose-coloured glasses.

And just so you may know, I am NOT a hipster! I have been drinking chai since I was 7, because I hated milk as a kid, so my grandma introduced me to chai as a way of getting me to drink some milk. Got addicted to the stuff eventually. Can't imagine life without it now.

Have you ever tried chai, like REAL chai, not the stupid liquid-ey goo people call "chai latte" or whatever- I am talking about real Indian chai. If you have then, you obviously haven't looked back at chai lattes. And if you haven't, then what are you waiting for, grab a cup now! Taste the happiness! ~ (´ω` )

If you don't believe me, then here are some commonly known but cool facts about chai tea:

• It is rich in antioxidants which protect against cell-damaging free radicals.
• Ginger in tea is good for digestion and soothes the stomach.
• It has less caffeine than coffee and yet, restores happiness levels.
• The ginger in tea also has anti-inflammatory properties.

So HUZZAH FOR THE CHAI!

Don't know how to make it? It's simple. Though my method may sound retarded, it works! For one cup, all you need is:
3/4 cup water (in case the water evaporates a lot while boiling)
1/2 cup milk
1 tspn sugar
3/4 or 1 tspn of tea powder (depends on how strong you want it; I like mine strong with less sugar)

1. Boil the milk and water in a saucepan and add the sugar and tea. Keep stirring now and again till the milk starts turning brown.
2. When the milk boils, lower the heat and occassionally bring it to boil in between
3. Once the milk has started turning a deeper brown and it looks strong, switch off the stove and cover the tea.
4. After a minute, pour it out through a strainer! And ta-da, chai is ready! I like having my chai with digestive biscuits. :D

OPTIONAL: You can add a small piece of ginger (crushed) to the saucepan after adding the tea. Just make sure the milk doesn't curdle! Ginger tastes awesome because it gives the tea this extra warming effect which feels like heaven during the winters and during dreary rainy days! It soothes sore throats as well!

You may even add crushed cardamom ,though not one of my faves; or some chopped Holy Basil (Batman!), gives it a nice herbal taste~<3

Or just ask some nice Punjabi neighbour/friend to make you a cup! (Punjabi chai is the best!)

And then be like,