Cardamom tea

Here’s a delightful recipe for making cardamom tea, a fragrant and warming beverage:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 whole green cardamom pods (or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon tea leaves (black tea or green tea, optional)
• Milk (optional, for chai-style tea)
• Sweetener (sugar, honey, or your choice, optional)
• Cinnamon stick (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Crush the Cardamom:

   • If using whole pods, gently crush them with the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle to release their aromatic oils.

2. Boil the Water:

   • In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.

3. Add Tea and Cardamom:

   • Add the crushed cardamom (and tea leaves if using) to the boiling water. You can also add a cinnamon stick at this stage for extra flavor.

4. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like the flavor.

5. Strain the Tea:

   • Strain the tea into a cup to remove the cardamom pods, tea leaves, and any other solids.

6. Add Milk and Sweetener (Optional):

   • If you prefer a chai-style tea, add milk to taste and heat gently until warm. Sweeten with sugar or honey if desired.

7. Serve:

   • Enjoy your cardamom tea hot!

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of cardamom to suit your taste; it can be quite potent.
• Cardamom pairs well with other spices like ginger or cloves, so feel free to experiment!

This aromatic tea is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying any time you need a little comfort. Enjoy!