The Girl and I have been battling some weird stomach ailment for the last couple of days. We both have achy tummies, and today I don't really feel like eating much. Cardamom is used all over the globe for different digestive ailments and when we're feeling icky in this way, I like to make up a batch of Elaichi tea. Some folks add black tea, but I prefer it super simple: Water, cardamom, ginger (if you wish), milk and honey.
You want to find green cardamom that hasn't lost it's beautiful green color. As it gets older, it becomes more brown and loses some of its flavor.
Pick out 20 cardamom pods and crush them to release the aromatics. Don't worry if the seeds fall out, just throw them in as well.
In a small/medium sauce pot, bring 4 cups of water to boil. Add the cardamom, and a couple of slices of ginger if you'd like. Turn down to medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Lower your heat to the lowest setting and add 2 cups of milk. Allow to warm, but not boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Strain the tea into a tea cup, removing any pods and seeds.
Sweeten with honey and serve warm.
The Man says it looks a little like dishwater...and suppose it does a little...but my tummy feels better for the drinking of it, so it tastes like pure goodness to me. :)