“Clove” in Urdu is called “لونگ” (loong). Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and are widely used as a spice in various cuisines around the world.
Uses of Cloves:
Cooking: Cloves are used whole or ground in both sweet and savory dishes. They add a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor to curries, soups, stews, rice dishes, and baked goods.
Spice Blends: Cloves are a key ingredient in spice blends like garam masala, curry powder, and mulled spice blends used in beverages.
Beverages: Cloves are used to flavor hot beverages like tea, mulled wine, and cider. They add a festive and aromatic touch to these drinks, especially during the colder months.
Pickling: Whole cloves are used in pickling recipes, such as pickled fruits and vegetables, to add flavor and aroma.
Medicinal Purposes: Cloves have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. They contain compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Recipe: Spiced Chai (Masala Chai)
Ingredients:
2 cups water
2 cups milk
2-3 black tea bags or loose tea leaves
4-5 cloves
2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
Sugar or sweetener to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add cloves, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and sliced ginger to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat and simmer the spices for 5-7 minutes to infuse their flavors into the water.
Add tea bags or loose tea leaves to the spiced water and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Add milk to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once the chai reaches your desired strength and flavor, remove it from the heat.
Strain the chai into cups and sweeten with sugar or sweetener according to your preference.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade spiced chai!
Benefits of Cloves:
Antioxidant Properties: Cloves are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cloves contain compounds like eugenol, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Dental Health: Clove oil is used in traditional medicine for dental care due to its analgesic and antiseptic properties. It is often used to relieve toothache and treat oral infections.
Digestive Aid: Cloves are believed to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. They may help reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Incorporate cloves into your cooking and beverages to enjoy their aromatic flavor and potential health benefits.
