Chef Ranveer Brar, popular for his food stories, recently spoke about the best way to make chai while revealing that his father’s signature recipe is his favourite. “Mere pitaaji banate hai. (My father makes chai at home). While he doesn’t reveal the recipe, he does add milk twice. He adds saunf in summer and mulethi (liquorice) in winter. My daadi (grandmother) said it helps with body balance,” Brar told Ranveer Allahabadia on his YouTube podcast.
Brar went on to share that chai, or tea, can be made differently by different people, even when the ingredients remain the same.
Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, concurred that behind many traditional Indian home remedies, there is a lot of wisdom. “Both mulethi and saunf act differently on the body with the change in seasons. Mulethi is warming and soothing. It eases coughs, colds, and throat irritation, and supports the respiratory system, which is needed during winter. Saunf is cool and refreshing; it helps digestion, reduces acidity, and soothes the system during summer. Thus, this seasonal substitution of mulethi and saunf makes perfect Ayurvedic sense,” said Sheikh.
How do they change the flavour of chai?
Sheikh described that while mulethi imparts a soft, earthy sweetness to tea, with hints of caramel, adding richness to the cup, fennel seeds provide light, fresh sweetness to counteract the heaviness of milk.
What should people note while using them?
Moderation is key.
“Around one-fourth teaspoon (a pinch) is enough for two cups. Too much mulethi can make tea overly sweet or even slightly bitter, while excess saunf can dominate the taste. People with high blood pressure or kidney issues should limit mulethi intake, as it can alter sodium balance when consumed frequently,” said Sheikh.
This simple seasonal tweak turns the ordinary cup of chai into a mindful ritual that nourishes the body and spirit, in tune and harmony with the weather and the natural rhythm of one’s body.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.