The aroma of spiced tea brewing on the stovetop is a scent deeply woven into the fabric of Kenyan life. I remember visiting my Auntie Kerubo in Nairobi, and the first thing she would do upon my arrival was put a kettle on for chai. The fragrant steam, swirling with the scent of ginger and cardamom, would fill her small apartment, creating an instant sense of warmth and welcome. Chai ya Maziwa, literally “tea with milk,” isn’t just a beverage in Kenya; it’s a symbol of hospitality, a ritual of connection, and a comforting presence in everyday life. Shared among friends, family, and even strangers, a cup of chai bridges gaps and fosters a sense of community. From bustling city streets to serene rural villages, the shared experience of enjoying chai is a thread that binds Kenyans together.
Ready to brew a cup of Kenyan connection? Here’s the recipe:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 cups (1808 g) water
- 4 tea bags, black tea (8 g)
- 2 cups (473 g) milk, full fat
- 4 tsp. (16 g) sugar
- 1 inch (9 g) ginger, fresh
- ½ tsp. (1 g) cardamom powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Infuse the water: In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add the tea: Add the tea bags to the boiling water and let them steep for about 2 minutes. This allows the tea’s flavor to fully infuse into the water.
- Spice it up: While the tea is steeping, peel and grate or finely chop the fresh ginger. Add the grated ginger (and cardamom powder, if using) to the pot. These spices are what give Kenyan chai its distinctive and aromatic character.
- Add milk and sugar: Pour in the milk and add the sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and ensure that the milk is fully incorporated.
- Simmer and serve: Reduce the heat to low and let the chai simmer gently for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove from heat, strain into cups, and serve your fragrant Chai ya Maziwa hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy your chai as is or pair it with mandazi (Kenyan doughnuts), chapati, or other snacks.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Experiment with other spices like cinnamon or cloves for your own unique chai blend.
Nutrition Information (per 100g of Recipe):
- Energy: 133 kJ/ 32 kcal
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.9 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Fibre: 0 g
- Vitamin A: 15 mcg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
- Zinc: 0.11 mg
