Elaichi Cardamom Tea Recipe
What is elaichi? A warming cup of tea that is infused with cardamom and a little optional extra that I love, a stick of cinnamon. I was introduced to this tea by my amazing friend Manisha we always end our meal with a cup of Elaichi at her house. Needless to say, it is after a very long interval as this tea is very filling and she always spoils us with a generous menu. I call this tea a hug in a cup, it is warming, healthy and while stirring the pot you have time to contemplate and clear your mind. When someone serves you a cup of Elaichi, you really feel very loved.
Usually, I am a without milk tea drinker, however, this elaichi is the exception. What I love with Indian spices and cuisine is what you eat and drink benefits your health. Look at what green cardamom pods can apparently help you with:
Regulating your heart rate
Assist asthmatics
Help with anaemia
Assist with indigestion
Cardamon also is said to contain vitamins and minerals that help boost your immune system, they contain Vitamin C, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous, and Zinc. Perhaps like me when you see the pod you will have a new respect for it.
Outside of making this tea, you can always add a couple of green cardamom pods to your basmati rice it perfumes the rice beautifully or add a 1/4 teaspoon to your favourite curry recipe. Cardamon always adds a little something to cakes as well.
In summer you can serve this tea chilled in an iced packed glass.
- 5 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 2 cm stick of cinnamon (optional)
- 3 tea bags
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk
- Sugar to taste
- Boil the spices and the tea bags for 10 minutes.
- Add the milk, stir and boil for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture is a creamy consistency and has a wonderful deep caramel colour.
- Press out the tea by squeezing the bags on the side of the pot to get all the goodness out.
- Share between 4 cups and enjoy your warming tea.
- Offer sugar to taste
I used Punjana Decaffeinated tea bags for the evening and usually I use my Clippers Organic bags for daytime drinking.
Cinnamon is an optional ingredient, I love it although traditionally you would just add the cardamom to the tea.
In summer you can make the tea, cool and store it in the fridge, when you feel like something refreshing help yourself to a cup of elaichi in an ice-packed glass.
