This page been viewed 12722 times

 

Uses of Cardamom, Elaichi

11 Uses of Cardamom 

Cardamom is a spice that most predominantly grown in India (where it is known as Elaichi) and Indonesia. It is one of the most ancient spices in the world, sometimes referred to as the queen of spices and is also considered to be one of the most expensive spices. It is used for adding a distinct aroma and taste to the food.  

1. Cardamom is one of the main spices used in Indian Cuisine. 

2. A mix of whole spices that includes cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, is one of the best and classic combinations that flavors Punjabi vegetable subzis. These 3 spices enhance the flavor any gravy whether tomato, onion or milk based, for example Paneer Makhani and Dum aloo.   

3. It gives a rich aroma and subtle sweetness to various rice dishes. Cardamom is an important ingredient that enriches the taste of different biryanis and pulaos like Shahi Pulao. Many recipes call for cardamom to be added whole, with the pod. It slowly infuses the dish with its essence and the shell disintegrates as it cools. 

4. Garam Masala, a spice mix used commonly in subzis, rice preparations and snacks in India is made by roasting many spices together and then grinding them up, one of these spices being Cardamom. 

5. It provides a unique sweetness to different types of dals and curries like Dal makhani and give them a regal smell and flavor. 

6. The trio of cardamom, saffron and nutmeg is a winner combination for Indian Sweets. Almost all sweets, hailing from different parts of the country, make use of this. For example the Gujarati Basundi and Bengali Rasmalai to Sooji Halwa, each have a distinct taste of cardamom. 

7. Elaichi is an important addition to beverages as well. The classic Masala Chai makes use of cardamom to give it a strong aroma! Even coffee made with cardamom is pleasantly aromatic and refreshing. Cardamom is an often added spice in Arabic coffee, which is known for its unique taste. 

8. It is an important ingredient in Panakam, a traditional south Indian cooling drink made with jaggery along with pepper powder, basil and other ingredients had on Ram Navami. 

9. Cardamom is also used in making paan, an after meal digestive prepared using betel leaves. 

10. Desserts like Ice creams, flans, rice pudding and porridge also use this spice. Infusing the cream with cardamom results in a wonderful rich cardamom ice cream. 

11. It forms a part of the Lebanese spice powder, Baharat that is used to season soups and meat dishes.

 

To know about Recipes using Cardamom, check out our collection.

Uses Of Cardamom



1

Punjabi style paneer makhani | paneer makhani recipe | restaurant style paneer makhani | with amazing 29 images. paneer makhani recipe is a favourite with most people while eating out at any Punjabi restaurant! paneer makhani as the name suggests is a very rich subzi from the lap of Punjab and known as Punjabi style paneer makhani. This is a creamy gravy Punjabi style paneer makhani where paneer is cooked in tomato gravy. Punjabi style paneer makhani uses one of Punjabi cuisines most loved ingredients butter. In traditional Punjabi houses, the women folk make pure white butter from thick creamy milk. Paneer makhani is a sweet and creamy paneer based gravy dish, which falls under the category of main course dishes. As the name suggests, the gravy and paneer is cooked in butter. Punjabi style paneer makhani is a famous gravy dish, and is part of restaurant menus all over India and we have shown you how to make restaurant style paneer makhani . 5 out of 10 families definitely order restaurant style paneer makhani when out for a meal at a restaurant, so we have got you the recipe of restaurant style panner makhani at home. Soft paneer chunks are dunked into a rich tomato based gravy, a must try for all paneer lovers! Serve restaurant style paneer makhani with rotis or parathas. Enjoy Punjabi style paneer makhani | paneer makhani recipe | restaurant style paneer makhani | with detailed step by step photos.

2

dum aloo recipe | restaurant style dum aloo | Punjabi dum aloo | dum aloo curry | with 43 amazing images. Our dum aloo recipe is also called Punjabi dum aloo. Delicious baby potato preparation that’s bursting with flavour in this restaurant style dum aloo. Chilli-coated potatoes in dum aloo curry are cooked with cream, tomatoes and a flavourful paste of whole spices and onions. Coriander leaves are the ultimate addition to this tasty Punjabi dum aloo which gives it a really rich flavour. Dum Aloo gets its characteristic flavour and texture from the intensely-flavoured gravy that the potatoes are cooked in. The dum aloo gravy gets its deep flavour and luscious texture from a paste of onions and spices, cooked along with tomato pulp and fresh cream. We show you how to make restaurant style dum aloo in less than 30 minutes. To make dum aloo recipe, we show you 8 detailed steps on how to prepare the baby potatoes for the recipe. Remember to refresh with cold water to prevent carry-over cooking of baby potatoes. Then we show you 6 steps in making a tasty homemade tomato puree. Next you are shown how to make the onion paste for restaurant style dum aloo in 11 steps. Lastly, you make the dum aloo gravy which then leads to the final Punjabi dum aloo recipe. You will enjoy not just the taste but also the awesome mouth-feel of this dum aloo curry. Serve with Tandoori Roti or pressure cooker naan. Enjoy dum aloo recipe | restaurant style dum aloo | Punjabi dum aloo | dum aloo curry

3

shahi pulao | shahi veg pulao | mughlai shahi pulao | how to make shahi pulao | with 30 amazing images. The presence of the word Shahi always hints at the richness of a recipe. Indeed, the Shahi Pulao is a rice dish that is loaded with spices, veggies and a horde of other ingredients, which give it a memorable flavour and texture. While an assortment of spices including saffron and caraway seeds gives this shahi veg pulao preparation a rich aroma, taste and hue, veggies, pineapple and paneer give it a wonderful range of textures. Pineapple also gives the mughlai shahi pulao a juicy tanginess, which you are sure to enjoy. Self-contained with myriad flavours, this shahi veg pulao is a one-dish meal can be served with just a bowl of curd or raita. We have cooked the rice for mughlai shahi pulao on a stove top but you can cook it in a pressure cooker also. Aside from shahi pulao check out our collection of pulao recipes like pressure cooker veg pulao and matar pulao. Enjoy shahi pulao | shahi veg pulao | mughlai shahi pulao | how to make shahi pulao with detailed step by step photos.

4

garam masala recipe | Punjabi garam masala powder | homemade garam masala | with 20 amazing images. This garam masala recipe is easy to make make as it involves roasting and blending of Indian spices. Even better, ingredients for Punjabi garam masala powder are always available in the Indian kitchen. Every cuisine has a special ingredient, which gives it its characteristic flavour and aroma. If you think of Chinese cuisine, the five-spice powder comes to mind, for Bengali cuisine, there is the panch-phoron, for South Indian cooking, there is the sambhar masala, and when it comes to north Indian food, garam masala wins hands-down! To make flavourful garam masala, roast cumin seeds, cardamoms, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, bayleaves and caraway seeds in a broad non-stick pan for 2-3 mins and keep aside so it cools down. Grind in a mixer to a smooth fine powder. Transfer the powder into a bowl, add the ginger powder and mix well. Sieve the powder well and discard the left over coarse powder and store in an air-tight container. Use homemade garam masala as required. So robust and versatile is this garam masala, with such a large assortment of spices and seeds, that it can be used to flavour anything, from Pulaos and Sukhi Subzis to gravies and snacks too. Some popular recipes using garam masala are ragda pattice, paneer lababdar and spice mixed dal. No wonder it is so popular all over the world! Although garam masala is available even in the smallest of shops in India and in Indian stores across the world, this recipe will help you understand how to make it, so you can make it in small batches at home to enjoy the boosted aroma and flavour that only freshly-made garam masalas can give. Enjoy garam masala recipe | Punjabi garam masala powder | homemade garam masala | with detailed step by step recipe photos and video below.

5

basundi recipe | Gujarati basundi | how to make traditional basundi sweet | milk basundi recipe | with 25 amazing images. Gujarati basundi is a rich and delicious Gujarati mishtan of thickened milk, very similar to the North Indian rabdi, it is basically just boiling the milk in a thick bottomed pan till the milk is reduced. Almonds and pistachios add crunch to this rich , creamy basundi. Remember to keep scraping the sides of the vessel when cooking, as that will make the basundi thick and impart a real creamy texture. Use a flat spoon to scrape the vessel as it is more convenient than a round spoon. gujarati basundi can be served warm or chilled and tastes amazing with piping hot, deep-fried puris and Undhiyu. Come festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami or Navratri, my father would start reducing the milk since 5 am for making basundi, so that the gas range would be free before my mother gets up and starts cooking the meal. Twist the authentic Basundi sweet recipe and make innovative Pineapple Basundi with fruity flavor. To fasten the cooking process, you can even make basundi with condensed milk that will get ready quickly. Aside from basundi, see our Gujarati sweet recipes like Golpapdi, Kopra Pak, Mohanthal. Pro tips for basundi. 1. Add 6 1/2 cups full-fat milk in that deep thick pan. Full-fat milk has a higher fat content than low-fat or skim milk. This higher fat content contributes to the rich, creamy texture and indulgent mouthfeel that are characteristic of basundi. The fat helps to create a smooth and luxurious experience when enjoying this dessert. 2. Reduce the flame and cook on a slow to medium flame for 45-48 minutes while stirring and scraping the sides of the pan occasionally. Image one of cooking for 15 minutes. Slow to medium cooking allows the milk to evaporate gently. This gradual process results in a smooth and creamy texture, unlike rapid boiling which could cause scorching or curdling. 3. Add 1/2 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder. Cardamom has a distinct aroma and flavor profile, offering a combination of warm, sweet, and slightly floral notes. It complements the richness of the milk and sweetness of the sugar in basundi, adding complexity and depth to the overall taste. Enjoy basundi recipe | Gujarati basundi | how to make traditional basundi sweet | milk basundi recipe | with step by step photos.

6

rasmalai recipe | Bengali rasmalai | soft rasmalai | with 20 amazing images. rasmalai is also called Ras malai or rossomalai which is a super royal and rich Bengali dessert. Rosh means juice in Bengali and malai is cream. Get set to prepare the all-time favourite Bengali delight rasmalai right in your own kitchen! We show you the whole process right from making the saffron flavoured milk, curdling the milk to make fresh and succulent paneer, to making super-soft rasgullas from it, and soaking them in aromatic and spicy saffron milk to make authentic Rasmalai. Making rasmalai is similar to making rasgulla but both require patience to make. To make the saffron flavoured milk for rasmalai, we have used 5 cups of full fat milk also called buffalo milk. 1. Boil the milk in a deep non-stick pan on a high flame, while stirring twice in between. This will take approx. 4 to 5 minutes. 2. Reduce the flame to medium and cook for 15 minutes or till the milk reduces to half its quantity, while stirring occasionally and scraping the sides of the pan. 3. Meanwhile, combine the saffron and warm milk in a small bowl or mortar-pestle (khalbhatta), mix well and keep aside. 4. Add the sugar to the boiling milk, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute. 5. Switch off the flame, add the saffron-milk mixture and cardamom powder and mix well. 6. Keep aside to cool for 30 minutes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Notes on Rasmalai recipe: 1. We are boiling the milk for 15 minutes so that it becomes thick and the rasmalai will taste rich. 2. Keep stirring occasionally and scraping the sides of the pan so the milk does not get burnt. 3. Combine the saffron and warm milk in a small bowl or mortar-pestle (khalbhatta), mix well. Make sure you get a good saffron colour and the more you mix the better the colour. Notes and tips on making rasgulla for rasmalai recipe. 1. Boil the milk in a deep non-stick pan on a high flame, while stirring twice in between. This will take approx. 4 to 5 minutes. We have used cows milk and rasgulla stay soft because of cows milk. 2. Switch of the flame, add the lemon juice gradually and keep stirring gently till it curdles. It is completely curdled, when the paneer and the whey (greenish water) separate out. 3. Strain using a muslin cloth. Discard or store the whey. 4. Place the muslin cloth with the paneer in a bowl of fresh water and mash it gently for 1 to 2 minutes. 5. Repeat step 4 two more times by changing the water in the bowl each time and mixing the paneer between your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. See the Rasmalai video below if not sure. 6. Tie and hang it for 30 minutes for the extra water to drain out. 7. Squeeze the muslin cloth to drain any more water remaining. Place the muslin cloth on a flat plate, open it and knead the paneer very well using your palms for 3 to 4 minutes or till the paneer is smooth and free of lumps. This will prevent the rasgulla from breaking up. Also the mixture is now not sticking to the plate. 8. Divide the paneer into 10 equal portions and roll each portion into a small ball between your palms and flatten it lightly and gently. Keep aside. 9. Put 5 cups of water in a steamer, add the sugar and bring to boil, while stirring occasionally so that the sugar dissolves completely. 10. Put the paneer balls into the sugar water and steam for 7 to 8 minutes. 11. Switch off the flame and allow it to stand in the steamer for 30 minutes. How to finish making Rasmalai recipe. 1. Remove the rasgulla one by one from the sugar syrup, squeeze them gently in between your palms and add them to the saffron flavoured milk and stir gently. Note we are flattening them and not making it round shape as we have to make Rasmalai and not rasgulla. 2. Refrigerate Rasmalai for at least 30 minutes. 3. Serve Bengali rasmalai chilled garnished with pistachios and almonds Refrigerate this delightful Bengali rasmalai mithai and enjoy it cold. During auspicious and festive occasion make this Rasmalai at home and enjoy with freinds and relatives. Learn to make rasmalai recipe | Bengali rasmalai | soft rasmalai with step by step photos and video below.

7

masala chai recipe | masala tea | Mumbai roadside Masala Tea | Indian spiced tea | with 10 amazing images. Masala Chai is a very famous hot beverage originated from India. Rainy or winter days, it is a go to beverage. For most Indians, the day starts with a cup of masala chai. Chai or tea is a popular beverage made using a handful of aromatic ingredients. The quantity of all the ingredients varies from person to person. Every household has their own style of making it. As the name suggests, masala chai literally translate to spiced tea. The flavour of the tea is very powerful, it is basically made by brewing black tea with masala. We have made masala tea by taking water in a deep pan, added tea powder, the colour and flavour of the masala chai will largely depend upon the strength of tea powder so, always make use of good quality tea powder or tea leaves then add sugar. Further we have added lemongrass which gives a refreshing flavor to the tea. Also, we have added grated ginger which plays an important role in giving tea a refreshing hint. Further chai masala is added which is made with Indian spices. You can readily find it in the market or use our chai masala recipe and boil it all together so that all the flavours are extracted. It will aromatic and the flavour will be properly infused. Lastly, milk is added. You can add milk according to your preference depending on how you like yourmasala tea. If you start walking around the streets of India, you will see a chaiwala around every corner selling tea with biscuits or cream rolls. Be it day or night. Late nights, the chai wala’s are seen selling tea on their cycles making Mumbai roadside Masala Tea very popular . Tea is one of the very famous beverage and people usually start their day with tea and some breakfast. Masala tea can soothe you when you are unwell, rejuvenate you when you are tired, and revive your spirits when you are bored. Start your day with Masala tea and serve it with biscuits or any of your favourite snack. Enjoy masala chai recipe | masala tea | Mumbai roadside Masala Tea | Indian spiced tea | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

8

Rich and lusciously textured ice-cream made of the perfect combination of milk, milk powder and cream is sweetened just right and perked up with two of India’s most favourite and traditional flavours – kesar and elaichi. Popularly used in everything from kheer to sweets and milk shakes, these fantastic desi flavours make this ice-cream appeal to all, including elders! Enjoy it after a hearty meal, and lose yourself in its rich aroma and indulgent texture.

9

dal makhani | how to make dal makhani | dhaba-style dal makhani | punjabi dal makhani | with 30 amazing photos. Dal Makhani or maa di dal, as it is popularly known in the Punjab, with its smooth velvety texture and lovely flavour is a delicacy that is very much a dish of the Punjab. Enjoy our Dal Makhani recipe with step by step photos and video. Every Punjabi restaurant, roadside eating place and food stall vendor makes the claim that Punjabi Dal Makhani is a delicacy that they alone can make to perfection. This my own tested recipe dare I claim it as the best? Dal Makhani is traditionally cooked on a low flame overnight and allowed to thicken. Using a pressure cooker helps cook the dal in a jiffy. Serve hot with naans. Also do try other recipes that combines beautifully with fresh tomato pulp like Kashmiri Dum Aloo or Cauliflower Stir-fry .

10

rava sheera recipe | suji ka halwa | sooji halwa | with 13 amazing images A wonderful quick Indian dessert, rava sheera can be prepared in minutes. It does not require much advance preparation, and can be whipped up even at short notice. suji ka halwa is traditional, yet modern in its simplicity, making it a sheer delight. suji ka halwa is made by roasting rava in ghee, then adding milk, water, sugar and nuts which are then cooked on a slow flame for 10 minutes. I would like to share some important tips to make the perfect sooji halwa. 1. Using warm milk is important as it will help the semolina cook faster. 2. Add 2½ cups of hot water. These liquids will help in cooking the semolina properly. 3. Cover and cook suji ka halwa on a slow flame about 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. It might take a little more or less time as it depends highly on the quality of the sooji and also the flame on which it is cooked. rava sheera recipe makes a traditional and delightful combination with puris and chana. Check our collection of sheera recipes, that apart from semolina are made using varieties of nuts, flours or a combination of flour and fruits and even dals like mango sheera and badam ka sheera. Enjoy how to make rava sheera recipe | suji ka halwa | sooji halwa | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

Reviews