Wake Up to Chicory Root Spiced Chai: A Delicious Alternative to Your Morning Coffee
Are you tired of the same old coffee routine every morning? Maybe it’s time to switch things up with a warm and cozy cup of chai.
But wait, what is chai exactly? Chai is a spiced tea that originates from India and has been enjoyed for centuries.
It’s typically made with black tea, milk, and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. But did you know that you can also use chicory root in place of the traditional black tea for a caffeine-free option?
The Benefits of Drinking Chai Instead of Coffee
Coffee may be the go-to drink for many people when they need an energy boost in the morning or throughout the day. However, drinking too much coffee can lead to jitters, anxiety, and even dehydration.
Chai offers a delicious alternative that not only tastes great but also provides some amazing health benefits. Firstly, chai contains less caffeine than coffee which means you won’t experience the same jittery buzz or crash that coffee can give you.
Secondly, the spices used in chai such as cinnamon are known to help regulate blood sugar levels and aid digestion. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties while cardamom has been shown to have antioxidant effects on the body.
Chicory root spiced chai is an excellent alternative to your routine cup of coffee if you’re looking for something new or want to avoid caffeine altogether. So why not try this recipe below and start your day off with a warm hug in a mug?
Why Chicory Root is a Great Coffee Substitute
Chicory root contains ingredients that mimic many of the flavors and aromas found in coffee. Roasting chicory also brings out bitter notes that are similar to those found in coffee beans.
Moreover, chicory root lacks caffeine which means it can be consumed without risking caffeine jitters or other side effects associated with drinking too much regular coffee. In addition to its taste and lack of caffeine content, consuming chicory root spiced chai offers numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.
In fact, some herbalists have used chicory root for centuries for its medicinal properties. Overall, using chicory root instead of or alongside your daily cup(s) of tea/coffee is an excellent way to reduce your caffeine intake while enjoying similar flavor profiles and added health benefits from the natural ingredients contained therein.
Spices Used in Chai
Chai is known for its warm and spicy flavor that comes from a blend of aromatic spices. The most common spices used in chai include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family. It has a sweet and fragrant aroma, which makes it an ideal addition to chai.
Cinnamon is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve blood sugar control. This spice is also rich in antioxidants that help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals.
Cardamom
Cardamom is another popular spice used in chai. It has a strong, yet sweet flavor with hints of lemon and mint.
Cardamom can aid digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive juices and controlling acidity levels in the gut. This spice also contains powerful antioxidants that can prevent cellular damage caused by toxins.
Ginger
Ginger adds a spicy kick to chai with its pungent aroma and warming sensation. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease pain caused by conditions like arthritis or sore muscles. Drinking ginger tea can also relieve nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness.
Cloves
Cloves are small flower buds with a strong aroma and intense flavor profile dominated by their essential oil content. They have antimicrobial properties that fight off harmful bacteria in the body while promoting healthy gut flora growth.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds heat to chai with its sharp taste and pungent aroma. It contains an active compound called piperine which helps enhance nutrient absorption from other foods consumed during meals. Black pepper has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oxidative stress on the body.
By combining these spices in chai, you not only get a delicious drink but also a host of health benefits that come from each individual spice. Try experimenting with different ratios of spices to find your perfect blend!
Chicory Root Spiced Chai Recipe
The Perfect Cup of Chai
So, you’ve decided to give chicory root spiced chai a try? Great choice! Here’s a step-by-step recipe to help you make the perfect cup.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf black tea, or 1 tea bag
- 1 tablespoon of roasted chicory root
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
- 4 cardamom pods (or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom)
- 2 cloves (optional)
- A pinch of ginger powder (optional)
- Sweetener of your choice – honey, sugar, maple syrup etc.
Brewing the Tea:
- Add the black tea and roasted chicory root to a teapot or strainer. You can adjust the amount of black tea and chicory root depending on how strong you like your chai.
- Boil 2 cups of water and pour it over the tea and chicory root.
- Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves (optional), and ginger powder (optional) to the teapot or strainer.
- Cover the teapot or strainer and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
Note: If using loose-leaf tea, make sure it is fresh and high quality for optimal taste. Tip:If using a tea bag, try to use one without staples or glue. This will prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping into your drink.
Sweetening Your Chai:
Once your chai has brewed, it’s time to sweeten it! The amount of sweetener you use is entirely up to you, but here are some suggestions:
- Honey – adds a natural sweetness with floral undertones
- Sugar – adds a classic sweetness that pairs well with spices
- Maple Syrup – adds a unique flavor that can enhance the spices in your chai
Note: Some people prefer unsweetened chai, so feel free to skip this step if that’s more your style!
Serving Your Chai:
Your chicory root spiced chai is now ready to be served! Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.
Tip: For a creamier chai, add a splash of milk or non-dairy milk alternative. Some popular options include almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Note: If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spices to find the perfect blend for your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
Variations on the Recipe
Add-ons to Spice Up Your Chai
One of the best things about making your own chai at home is that you can customize it to your liking. Some people might prefer a sweeter version, while others might want a spicier drink. A great way to add some sweetness to your chicory root spiced chai is to add some honey or maple syrup.
You can also try adding almond milk for a creamy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Other Creative Ways to Use Chicory Root
Chicory root isn’t just limited to being a coffee substitute or an ingredient in chai. If you roast chicory root, it can be used as a flavorful addition to salads or as a garnish on top of soups and stews. It also pairs well with chocolate desserts and can be added as an ingredient in homemade granola bars for an extra crunch.
And if you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink, try brewing iced chicory root tea and adding some lemon juice and mint leaves for a citrusy twist. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
The Benefits of Drinking Chicory Root Spiced Chai as a Coffee Alternative
Drinking chicory root spiced chai is a fantastic alternative to coffee. Not only does it have less caffeine, but it also has numerous health benefits from the spices and chicory root itself.
The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger provides anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve digestion. The addition of chicory root gives an earthy flavor that is often sought after in coffee substitutes.
Try Making Your Own Version at Home
If you’re looking for a change from your morning cup of joe, then why not try making your own chicory root spiced chai? It’s a simple process that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices or sweeteners until you find the perfect blend for you.
Not only will making your own chai save you money in the long run, but it can also be a fun activity to do with friends or family members. Plus, by drinking chicory root spiced chai instead of coffee, you’ll be doing your body a favor by consuming less caffeine and more beneficial spices.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some tea bags and spices and start brewing your own delicious cup of chai today!
