From The Lunchbox · 2013 · Pairing

Masala Chai

Name: Masala Chai
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 2 cups whole milk; 3 tablespoons loose black tea (Assam); 1-inch piece ginger, crushed; 4 green cardamom pods, crushed; 2 whole cloves; 1 small cinnamon stick; Sugar, to taste

What to drink

The film never shows a cup of chai on screen, but it's the drink running underneath every kitchen in this story — the thing simmering while the dabbas get packed. A suggested pairing, honestly not on screen.

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons loose black tea (Assam)
1-inch piece ginger, crushed
4 green cardamom pods, crushed
2 whole cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
Sugar, to taste

Method

Bring the water to a boil with the ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Simmer 5 minutes to draw out the spices.
Add the tea leaves and simmer 2 minutes more, then add the milk and bring back to a gentle boil.
Simmer another 2–3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn't boil over, until the color deepens to a rich tan.
Strain into cups, sweeten to taste, and serve hot.