Green Cardamom Elaichi (چھوٹی الائچی)50gm

Description

“Small Elaichi” in Urdu refers to “چھوٹی الائچی” (Chhoti elaichi), which is commonly known as green cardamom. It’s the smaller variety of cardamom compared to black cardamom. Green cardamom pods contain small black seeds inside and are highly aromatic with a sweet and slightly spicy flavor.

Uses of Small Elaichi (Green Cardamom):

1. Sweet Dishes: Green cardamom is widely used in sweet dishes such as kheer (rice pudding), gulab jamun, and various Indian desserts to add fragrance and flavor.
2. Tea: It is a popular ingredient in masala chai (spiced tea). The pods are lightly crushed and added to tea along with other spices like cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. Baking: Green cardamom is used in baking to flavor cakes, cookies, and pastries. Ground cardamom powder is often added to the dough or batter.
4. Spice Blends: It is a key ingredient in various spice blends like garam masala, which is used in Indian cooking to flavor curries, rice dishes, and snacks.
5. Savory Dishes: Green cardamom is sometimes used in savory dishes like biryani, pilaf, and meat curries to impart a subtle sweet aroma.
6. Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, green cardamom is used to aid digestion, freshen breath, and alleviate symptoms of cold and flu.

Recipe: Cardamom Tea (Chai)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 2-3 teaspoons loose tea leaves or 2 tea bags
• 3-4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• Sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
2. Add crushed green cardamom pods and tea leaves or tea bags to the boiling water.
3. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the water is infused with the flavors of cardamom and tea.
4. Add milk to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Once the chai reaches your desired strength and color, remove it from the heat.
6. Strain the chai into cups and sweeten with sugar according to your preference.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your fragrant cardamom tea!

Benefits of Small Elaichi (Green Cardamom):

1. Digestive Aid: Green cardamom is known for its digestive properties and can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.
2. Oral Health: It has antibacterial properties and is often used to freshen breath and improve oral health.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Green cardamom contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Antioxidant Properties: It is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Incorporate small elaichi (green cardamom) into your cooking and beverages to enjoy its delightful aroma and potential health benefits.