Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose black tea
- 3-4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, sliced bananas, raisins, or a dollop of yogurt
Instructions:
- Infuse the Tea and Spices:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, milk, black tea bags or loose tea, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sliced ginger.
- Heat the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the tea and spices to infuse into the liquid for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain and Return to Heat:
- Remove the tea bags (or strain loose tea and spices) from the liquid, ensuring the infused liquid remains in the saucepan. Discard the tea bags and whole spices.
- Add Oats:
- Stir in the rolled oats and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the oats cook in the spiced liquid.
- Cook Oatmeal:
- Cook the oatmeal according to the package instructions, usually for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sweeten the Oatmeal:
- Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, add the ground nutmeg and sweeten it with your preferred sweetener. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Serve:
- Remove the masala chai spiced oatmeal from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick if you haven’t already.
- Spoon the creamy oatmeal into bowls.
- Optional Toppings:
- Enhance the flavor and texture by adding optional toppings such as chopped nuts, sliced bananas, raisins, or a dollop of yogurt.
Masala Chai Spiced Oatmeal is best enjoyed warm. Savor the comforting blend of aromatic spices from traditional masala chai in each spoonful. Adjust the spice levels and sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
