The one time I make coffee that isn't as black as my heart, I accidentally put a little cumin in, instead of cinnamon.
Fortunately, a splash of vanilla evened it out surprisingly well.
I... might even like this? 🤨
(This is why I take my coffee "neat". Too many new feelings with other ingredients in the mix!)
Cumin isn't usually present in chai mixtures - it's more of a cardamom, ginger, peppercorn, and clove situation - but I guess cumin and vanilla can pull off a decent switch in a pinch!
@MLClark Earthy, I suppose. I wouldn't normally have considered it but vanilla often reminds me of fenugreek, which is what I think took my mind in that direction.
@stueytheround
(Oh, and fennel, cinnamon, star anise... I guess I never saw cumin as bitter/strong enough to hang out with the "big boys" of chai before!)