Complete Recipe: Indian Hemp Chai

Makes: 2 servings (6 oz each)
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins

You’ll Need Two Components:

1. Hemp Chai Tea Base (creamy foundation)

2. Spiced Tea Infusion (traditional masala flavors)

PART 1: Hemp Chai Tea Base (Makes 1¾ cups)

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups water

• ½ cup hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds)

Instructions:

1. Simmer: Combine water and hemp hearts in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 5 minutes.

2. Strain: Pour through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids with a spoon to extract maximum creaminess. Discard leftover hemp pulp.

3. Rest: Let stand 5 minutes, then skim off any foam if desired.

PART 2: Spiced Tea Infusion

Spice Blend:

• 2 whole cloves

• 4 black peppercorns

• 4 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)

• 1 cinnamon stick (broken into pieces)

• ¼ tsp fennel seeds

• 1-inch fresh ginger (sliced or grated)

• ⅛ tsp allspice

Finishing Touches:

• ¼ cup soy milk (or oat/almond milk)

• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Infuse the Spices

1. In the same saucepan, combine the strained hemp base with all spices.

2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately turn off the heat.

3. Cover and steep for 5 minutes (like brewing tea).

2. Strain & Sweeten

1. Pour through a fine sieve into mugs to remove whole spices.

2. Stir in soy milk and honey until dissolved.

3. Froth & Serve

• Optional: Use a handheld frother to create a creamy foam.

• Garnish: Sprinkle with ground cinnamon or crushed cardamom.

5 Expert Tips for Perfect Chai:

1. Toasting Spices: Lightly dry-toast whole spices in the pan before adding liquid for deeper flavor.

2. Tea Option: Add 1 black tea bag (like Assam) during the last 2 minutes of steeping for caffeine.

3. Creamier Texture: Blend the strained hemp base with 1 tsp coconut oil before adding spices.

4. Iced Version: Chill and serve over ice with a splash of coconut milk.

5. Spice Control: Reduce black pepper to 2 peppercorns if sensitive to heat.

Health Benefits (Per Serving):

• Hemp Seeds: 5g plant protein + omega-3s

• Ginger & Pepper: Anti-inflammatory + aids digestion

• Cardamom: Helps regulate blood sugar

Serving Suggestions:

• Morning: Pair with hemp seed granola

• Afternoon: Serve with almond flour biscuits

• Dessert: Spike with vanilla hemp protein powder

Cultural Insight:

This recipe mirrors the "kadak" (strong) chai sold by Indian street vendors, but with a modern hemp twist. The fennel and allspice add complexity, while hemp replaces traditional buffalo milk for a lighter yet still creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Notes:

• Hemp base keeps 24 hours refrigerated (shake before using).

• Spice blend can be pre-mixed in jars for quick brewing.

"First you smell the spices, then you feel the warmth—this is chai that hugs your soul." ☕