Warm Up with Easy Cardamom Ginger Chai, Soothing Indian Tea

Last updated on August 9th, 2025

Ready to elevate your tea time? Dive into the world of Cardamom Ginger Chai! This low-carb version of soothing Indian tea, made with unsweetened almond milk, offers a relaxing escape after a busy day. With bold flavours from cardamom and fresh ginger, it’s the perfect blend to warm your soul. Let’s brew some magic! 

Low-Carb Cardamom Ginger Chai

Hello friends, it’s Chai O’Clock! Wait, what time? – I hear you ask, ha! Don’t worry about the clock – just grab your teacups, and let’s brew some warm, soothing, cardamom-flavoured and gingery tea and dig deeper into why making a cup of chai as well as drinking it holds a sentimental significance for many South Asian families!

Tradition of chai

In my family, and for generations, chai time is frankly any time of day. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or whenever I feel I need a good cup of tea, I always enjoy it, especially after a busy day of writing up and photographing recipes.

Moreover, I’m not talking about just adding a tea bag to a cup of hot water or the chai latte you find at Starbucks. Instead, I’m referring to the real deal, the OG of all chai. In fact, this sentiment resonates with many Indian families from South Asia and around the world.

Why is Chai Popular in South Asian Culture?

Making chai is such a comforting tradition for many Indian families, and honestly, it deserves some serious applause! But why do we brew chai? The answer is simple: for EVERY occasion!

Whether it’s a big celebration like a wedding or even the lead-up to that special day, or just a small win, like passing a driving test, it’s all about the time and effort we put into these moments. Think of it as a form of therapy or a mini spa experience.

Chai connection

Chai helps us unwind and enjoy the journey, no matter how big or small! To put it another way, Chai is your best friend, always ready to lend a gentle hug, whether you’re celebrating your son’s wedding, consoling a neighbour who’s lost their dog, or rejoicing when that furry friend is found again.

A family affair

I genuinely adore making chai, just like the English cherish putting the kettle on; honestly, it’s contagious! As soon as my family gathers, chai is the first thing we chat about – who wants sugar, who likes it milky, and who prefers it strong. It’s like our own little tea committee!

More than just tea

And it’s never just one person making it; a few of us crowd around the brewing pot, each sharing our thoughts on how it should be made. I can hear you thinking – it’s just a cup of tea! But trust me, it’s more than that; it’s a family tradition where every sip feels like a vote of approval (or a polite way of saying ‘Maybe next time, let’s try a different recipe!’). It’s not just tea; it’s a delightful family gathering!

A cherished ritual

After you perfect this easy recipe for Cardamom Ginger Chai, it will surely become a beloved tradition in your household. Additionally, you can prepare it on the stovetop or using an Instant Pot, and you might also explore making masala chai, which incorporates a variety of other spices.

Reasons to Enjoy Cardamom Ginger Chai

• Cozy and Warm Feeling: Drinking chai on a chilly day creates a sense of comfort that makes you feel safe and snug, and you may like to pair this delightful hot drink with my chai-spiced pumpkin muffins.

• Zen Experience: The blend of earthy cardamom and zesty ginger, just two ingredients, helps to relax and calm the mind.

• Magical Healing Properties: Chai is more than just a beverage; it serves as a natural healer due to the nutritional benefits of almond milk, ginger, and cardamom.

• Kick of Flavour: Even a small amount of ginger and cardamom releases just the right amount of kick for that satisfying “Ahh” feeling. Try it after a hectic day at the office.

• Natural Headache Relief: Research has shown ginger to be effective in relieving headaches, including migraines. Try this recipe next time you feel the onset of a migraine, just as the aura begins.

Carbs and Serving Notes for Cardamom Ginger Chai

In India, chai is typically made with full-fat milk or evaporated milk and sugar. I wanted to create a low-carb version that aligns with my diet and keeps my blood sugar levels steady.

Personally, I usually skip sugar in my hot drinks, like coffee or regular tea, but I really enjoy that touch of sweetness in this chai; otherwise, it can taste quite bitter.

5g net carbs per serving

This recipe yields two servings of delicious chai. However, you can, of course, double or triple the recipe for a gathering.

• 9.2g of carbohydrates
• 4.2g of fibre
• 5g of net carbs

Most importantly, if you’re looking for an option to make chai low in carbohydrates, here’s how I switch the ingredients to make this low-carb tea with cardamom and ginger:

First, unsweetened almond milk replaces the high carbs in dairy milk, traditionally used to make chai. Additionally, whipping Cream adds silkiness to the result. Finally, monk fruit and Erythritol blend is an approved sweetener that replaces regular sugar. As a result, you can enjoy a delicious low-carb chai that keeps you within your carb budget.

Ingredient Notes for Cardamom Ginger Chai

• Black tea leaves or a tea bag – Select a good quality brand like Ahmed
• Cardamom pods, cardamom seeds or ground cardamom. Also known as elaichi, you will find cardamom at any South Asian store near you.
• Fresh ginger root, peeled, chopped or grated for an intense, bold flavour.
• Unsweetened almond milk, or any plant-based milk for a vegan and low-carb option, or regular full-fat milk.
• Whipping cream, such as Sealtest 35% cream or heavy whipping cream. You can also try coconut cream, which is the thick part that sits at the top of an unshaken can of coconut milk.
• Monk fruit and Erythritol blend by Lakanto for a low-carb option or regular white sugar.
• Water

Did you know that Cardamom has a superior quality compared to other spices? Known as the third most expensive spice in the world, cardamom has numerous medicinal uses outside of the kitchen. Cardamom seeds grow in green or black pods. Check out any local supermarket chain for ground cardamom and your local Indian grocery for whole cardamom pods.

Equipment You Will Need

• Saucepan (or Instant Pot)
• Ladle
• Small strainer
• Tea Mug(s)

How to Make Cardamom Ginger Chai: Stovetop

Prepare the cardamom and ginger

1. Crush the cardamom pods or cardamom seeds gently using a pestle and mortar or rolling pin. Alternatively, you can just use two teaspoons of ground cardamom, which makes making this chai super easy. Simply adjust the amount according to preference, as the ground spice can be pretty intense.
2. Cut washed and peeled ginger root into cubes or slices; it’s fine to chop it roughly. If you’re short on time, you can even use unpeeled ginger. Fresh ginger is preferable when available, but ground ginger can be used as well, just be careful with the quantity, since it can leave a strong aftertaste.

Boil and Simmer the Chai

1. Start by bringing water, tea leaves (or a tea bag), and fresh ginger to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Then, add the unsweetened almond milk and whipping cream to the mixture.
3. Allow the tea to return to a rolling boil, ensuring you keep an eye on it to prevent overflow.
4. After it reaches a boil again, reduce the heat to medium once more and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.

Chai sweetness

1. Now, add your preferred sweetener and give it a good stir to let it dissolve into the chai.
2. At this point, you can either repeat bringing your chai to a boil again or simply continue to simmer on medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Expert Tip: Add the Sweetener straight into the simmering chai and give it a big stir to blend the sweetness and flavours. Alternatively, the sugar can be stirred into the chai after it has been strained and served in mugs.

Chai Strength

1. I enjoy boiling and simmering the chai multiple times to get that perfect caramel-like colour. You’ll come to appreciate it too, once you master making chai and develop a preference for a specific strength.
2. While the chai simmers in the saucepan, make sure to keep an eye on it. If left unattended, it can boil over quickly, leading to a messy spill on your stove that you want to avoid.
3. Once it’s ready, turn off the heat and use a ladle to strain the chai into a teapot or mug before serving.

Expert Tip: This chai should have a caramel-like colour. I’ve made Cardamom Ginger Chai a hundred times. I know this colour is the perfect strength for me. Adding extra black tea leaves will intensify the flavour. Adding extra unsweetened almond milk will further weaken it.

How to Make Cardamom Ginger Chai in the Instant Pot.

1. In Sauté mode, bring water, tea leaves or tea bags, cardamom and ginger to a boil.
2. Cancel sauté mode, add Unsweetened almond milk, cream and sweetener to the tea and stir.
3. Pressure cook for 1 min. Cancel and do a natural release for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the chai into a teapot or cups for serving using a ladle and strainer. 

Useful Tips and Substitutions 

• Stevia and monk fruit sweeteners are great for low-carb options, or stick with regular sugar, honey and date syrup when not minding carb intake.
• Using any other nut milk, like cashew milk, will work in this recipe. If not on a low-carb diet, you can use regular milk, half-and-half cream, or even evaporated milk (from the can) to create a traditional chai taste.
• Ground cardamom can be used as a substitute for cardamom pods.
• Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger root.
• To create more depth in flavour, add a cinnamon stick, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper and star anise to turn this recipe into Masala Chai.
• Add a few strands of saffron for an entirely different chai feel.
• Leave out the cardamom and ginger for basic boiled chai, just boil and simmer until the perfect caramel colour is achieved.

Did you make this Cardamom Ginger Chai recipe?

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