Chai de India 🇮🇳
Chai de India 🇮🇳 😜🤣 is a easy Indian recipe that serves 12. 2 calories per serving. Recipe by Guagliardo Southers on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $2.50 total, $0.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 liters Water (fresh, cold tap water)
- 12 teaspoons Black Tea Leaves (loose leaf black tea, medium strength)
- 0 Milk (optional, omitted per request (no sugar, no milk))
- 0 Sugar (intentionally omitted – the requester asked for no sugar)
Instructions
Boil Water
Pour 3 L of fresh water into a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Add Tea Leaves
Once boiling, remove from heat and add 12 tsp of black tea leaves. Stir gently.
Time: PT0M
Steep
Cover the pot and let the tea steep for 20 minutes. Do not add sugar or milk during this time.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 90-95°C
Strain and Serve
Place a tea strainer over each cup and pour the brewed tea through, filling all 12 cups.
Time: PT2M
Cleanup
Discard used tea leaves, wash the saucepan, strainer, and any utensils used.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 2
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Sugar‑Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Water: filtered water
- Instead of Black Tea Leaves: 12 black tea bags
- Instead of Milk: plant‑based milk
- Instead of Sugar: honey, stevia
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan or Kettle
- Stove
- Tea Strainer
- Measuring Spoon
- Cups or Mugs
- Timer
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Tray (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not add any sugar or milk; the requester specifically asked for plain tea.
- Steep for the full 20 minutes to achieve the desired strength.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste
- Pre‑warm the cups with hot water to keep the tea hotter longer
- If you like a hint of spice, add a small piece of ginger to the water before boiling.
Troubleshooting
Tea tastes weak
Increase tea leaf amount by 1‑2 tsp per 12 cups or extend steep time by 5 minutes.
Tea becomes bitter
Do not exceed 20‑minute steep; if bitterness occurs, reduce steep time to 15 minutes.
Tea is too hot to drink
Let the tea sit uncovered for 2‑3 minutes or pour into pre‑warmed cups to moderate temperature.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover tea in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; tea texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour, but flavor degrades quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brew the tea and keep it in a thermos to maintain temperature for several hours
- If you must store, refrigerate and reheat gently on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of plain black tea in Indian cuisine?
Black tea, known as "chai" in India, became popular during British colonial times when tea plantations were established. Over the decades it evolved into a daily ritual, often served with milk and sugar, but plain black tea is also cherished for its pure flavor and quick caffeine boost.
What are the traditional regional variations of plain black tea in Indian cuisine?
In North India, tea is typically brewed strong with milk and sugar, while in South India, it may be lighter and sometimes flavored with spices like cardamom. The plain version without additives is common in office settings and health‑conscious households across the country.
How is plain black tea traditionally served in Indian offices?
It is usually served in small metal or glass cups, poured hot directly from a kettle, and offered without sugar or milk unless requested. It is often accompanied by biscuits or savory snacks.
What occasions or celebrations is plain black tea associated with in Indian culture?
Plain black tea is a staple during work breaks, early morning meetings, and informal gatherings. While festive occasions often feature spiced or milky chai, plain tea is the go‑to for quick, unobtrusive refreshment.
What makes plain black tea special in Indian beverage tradition?
Its simplicity highlights the quality of the tea leaves and the purity of the water, offering a clean, robust flavor that showcases the tea’s natural character without the masking effect of sugar or milk.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making plain black tea for a group?
Common errors include adding sugar or milk against a no‑sugar request, steeping for too short a time resulting in weak tea, or over‑steeping which makes the tea bitter. Also, using stale water can dull the flavor.
Why does this plain black tea recipe use a 20‑minute steep instead of a shorter 5‑minute brew?
The 20‑minute steep ensures a strong, full‑bodied flavor that satisfies a crowd without needing sugar or milk. Shorter steep times may produce a lighter brew that some may find under‑flavored.
Can I make plain black tea ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, brew the tea, let it cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or pour into a thermos to keep it hot for serving later.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making plain black tea?
The tea should be clear, amber‑gold in color, and free of cloudiness. No residue or foam should be present if strained properly.
How do I know when plain black tea is done brewing?
After the full 20‑minute steep, the tea will have a deep amber hue and a robust aroma. Taste a small sip; it should be strong but not bitter.
What does the YouTube channel Guagliardo Southers specialize in?
The YouTube channel Guagliardo Southers focuses on light‑hearted cooking sketches, quick beverage tutorials, and relatable office‑life food scenarios, often blending humor with practical kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Guagliardo Southers' approach to Indian beverage cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Guagliardo Southers emphasizes comedic storytelling and real‑world office situations, delivering concise, no‑frills recipes like plain black tea, whereas many Indian cooking channels delve into elaborate spice blends and traditional rituals.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
