You might wonder why anyone would make chai in a pressure cooker. It can be faster to make it on a stovetop, especially a single cup. But when you make it in a pressure cooker, there’s no need to babysit the tea. I always use my pressure cooker when making chai for friends or a large party because it’s such a hands-off recipe. I also like making chai for myself and my husband before work. I can prepare the tea, get ready for the day, then come downstairs to a fresh cup of steaming hot chai.
Why Make Chai in an Instant Pot?
There is a time and place for chai: always and anywhere. 😉😂 But what’s the best way to prepare chai? I really think the answer to that question depends on your personal circumstance. For example, if I have some time to spare, I’ll make a cup of Masala Chai on the stovetop. If you ask my Indian parents, that’s the only way to make proper chai. Sometimes, if I know I’m going to have a hectic week, I’ll prepare a batch of Chai Concentrate, so I don’t have to worry about making a fresh cup of chai every morning. If I’m honest, I don’t know how parents of young kids find time to make and drink a hot cup of chai. I have a 16-month-old, and I literally have to re-heat my chai in the microwave four times before I can get through it (and yes, I realize that even bringing up a microwave is basically sacrilege when it comes to chai).
So when is the right situation to make chai in an Instant Pot?
Whenever you need to make chai using the least amount of effort possible, yes, it may take longer than preparing it over the stove, but you won’t have to watch it simmer. I love this method of making chai when we have friends over. It’s the perfect way to make chai for a party. It’s really easy to scale the amount of chai according to the number of people in your group, too – see my recipe below for details on how to do that.
Tips for making Chai in an Instant Pot:
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