15 Chai-Spiced Recipes

December 07, 2016
Becky Luigart-Stayner
Chai, that sometimes overlooked flavor, can add a distinct warm flavor and depth to many dishes. Originating in India, although it's now commonplace in cafes across the world, chai  is a flavored drink created by brewing black tea with a blend of herbs and spices. Much-loved spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves are commonly included in the mix. Take these earthy tones, which exude comfort, and enjoy them in non-beverage forms like pie, banana bread, oatmeal, or a marinade. 
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Chai Carrot Pie

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Chai Carrot Pie

Staple spice-rack spices create all the depth of classic chai tea in this luscious, carrot-packed, whole-grain dessert. It's a cross between a play on pumpkin pie and carrot cake: The texture and flavor are reminiscent of the former, and the layers—cream cheese mixture on the bottom, spiced carrot filling on top—are inspired by the latter. To get a big head start, you can make and freeze the crust up to a week ahead. A combination of butter and shortening in the crust is ideal—butter for its rich flavor, and shortening to create a flaky texture. We recommend Earth Balance shortening (found with the other shortenings in large supermarkets or health-focused stores) because, unlike most other shortenings, it contains no trans fats. 

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Turmeric Chai Latte

Photo: Daniel Agee
View Recipe: Turmeric Chai Latte

The addition of turmeric boosts the Indian flavor and the antioxidants in chai tea. Our healthier version mixes fresh ginger, cardamom pods, and whole cloves in orange pekoe tea sweetened with honey.

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Chai Banana Bread

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney
View Recipe: Chai Banana Bread

You'll find all the delicious spices of Chai tea in one melt-in-your-mouth loaf of Chai Banana Bread.These spices work really well together and are a good contrast with the sweetness of the banana.

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Homemade Chai Tea Mix

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Homemade Chai Tea Mix

Give an instant boost to a cup of hot black tea on a gray day with this easy mix. Make more for holiday gifts and package in Mason jars, or spoon some into a clear cello bag and stuff into an oversized mug.

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Pondicherry Sour

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee
View Recipe: Pondicherry Sour

Named for a city the French inhabited in India from 1674 to 1956, this tart, shaken cocktail spikes French apple brandy with Indian spices.

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Chai Spice and Pear Oatmeal

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chai Spice and Pear Oatmeal

The warming flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and allspice make this oatmeal dish immensely comforting. 

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Chai Cream Pie

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chai Cream Pie

Cinnamon, ginger, and black tea combine for an enticing and unexpected blend of spices and flavors in our Chai Cream Pie. Serve with after-dinner coffee for a new dessert that is sure to become an instant favorite.

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Warm Coconut Rice Pudding

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Warm Coconut Rice Pudding

This sweet and creamy treat comes together in a snap with a little help from instant rice. You'll love the crunchy pistachio topping.

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Pistachio-Chai Muffins

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Pistachio-Chai Muffins

These healthy muffins get their unique flavor from chai tea blend and roasted chopped pistachios.

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Chai Latte Brownies

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chai Latte Brownies

If you love the rich flavor of Mexican hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon, this dessert will delight you. These brownies are best served warm and gooey.

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Chai-Brined Shrimp Skewers

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro
View Recipe: Chai-Brined Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp brine in a fraction of the time it takes for large, tougher cuts of meat. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. Purchase naan at a local Indian restaurant or gourmet market, or substitute pita bread.

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Jasmine Chai Rice Pudding

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Jasmine Chai Rice Pudding

Although it keeps several days in the fridge, this pudding is at its best warm. Add a touch of extra milk to reheat, and top with whipped topping, nuts, and rind just before serving.

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Chai Brined Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Apple Chutney

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Jan Gautro
View Recipe: Chai Brined Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Apple Chutney

Chai spices bring a new twist to this classic combination of apples, onions, and pork. Make the chutney a day or two ahead; store covered in the refrigerator. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and onions. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

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Chai-Spiced Bosc Pear with Pound Cake

Photo: Susan Byrnes
View Recipe: Chai-Spiced Bosc Pear with Pound Cake

You can substitute any slightly sweet white wine for late-harvest riesling. Heat the pound cake on a grill pan before serving to create attractive grill marks. Garnish with raw pear slices.

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Chai Shortbread

Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chai Shortbread

If you like Chai, the traditional Indian spiced tea, you'll love these cookies. Classic shortbread crunch meets fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper (yes, black pepper!) in an innocent-looking cookie with an invisibly scrumptious twist.

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