Malagasy Chai (vegan)

A beautiful spicy chai latte recipe, coming from Madagascar. I served this as part of a themed dinner, and I was happy to discover how close it is to the current tastes of Western palates. Generally, when trying African drinks and dishes, I tend to brace myself for experiencing something radically different from what I have learned to like. For this one, for better or for worse, it wasn't necessary. It tastes just as delicious as the next chai latte from a coffeehouse. 
Recipe source: here.

Last year: nothing.
Two years ago: nothing.
Three years ago: nothing.
Four years ago: Walnut, coffee and mascarpone cupcakes.
Five years ago: Sweet potato spicy wedges with guacamole (Mexican and Tex-Mex).
Six years ago: Sticky banana and maple syrup cake bars.
Seven years ago: Cheddar and leek muffins.
Eight years ago: Asian white fish (pangasius) fillet with sesame noodles, Ruladă de pui cu spanac (Romanian chicken and spinach roulade) and Green pasta and pesto souffle (gratin).



Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups cold water
• 2 and 1/2 cups milk
• 4 tsp. loose black tea
• 6 cardamom seeds
• Pinch of ground ginger
• 2 cloves
• 1/4 vanilla pod
• Sugar to taste

In a small pan placed over a heat source, combine all the ingredients. Add sugar to taste. 

Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for a few minutes (5-7 minutes). Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot and serve hot. It's done, dig in!