Five ways to cook with green cardamom

Kitchen

11. Elaichi chai

Lightly crush two pods per cup and simmer them with the tea leaves and water before you add milk. Crushing opens the husk so the seeds can release their flavour.

22. Biryani and pulao

Add whole pods to hot ghee or oil at the start, with the other whole spices. The fat carries the aroma through every grain of rice.

33. Sweets and payasam

For kheer, halwa and ladoo, use the ground seeds only — discard the husks — and add them near the end so the aroma stays bright.

44. Coffee

A pinch of ground cardamom with your coffee grounds is a Gulf tradition. It softens bitterness and adds a gentle sweetness.

55. Baking

Swap some of the cinnamon in a cake, bun or cookie recipe for freshly ground cardamom. A little goes a long way.