Indian people love cardamom so much that they use it in sweets to savoury dishes. This tiny spice has taken place in surprising numbers of most Indian delicacies. Cardamom has a very good aroma that is intense and slightly citrus and sweet with a lot of medical properties for which it is often praised. But not everyone knows about those dishes where cardamom is used beautifully yet it is not appreciated. Many foods don’t come to mind but they have a perfect blend of flavours with cardamom and it helps every dish not to overpower the flavours.
So, let’s look into the blog on those 10 underrated Indian foods with Cardamom and see if they truly deserve the attention!
Why are Some Indian foods with Cardamom Underrated?
Many dishes in which cardamom is added don’t get that limelight and go unnoticed. Cardamom may be overused in some dishes but in underrated dishes, cardamom is used thoughtfully. Cardamom gives a perfect blend of aroma and taste. Let’s see those dishes which are underrated and don’t get the hype they deserve. These dishes offer a unique experience that a lot of people should explore.
Now, let’s see the top 10 underrated Indian foods cooked with cardamom that deserve recognition!
1. Mishti Doi
It is a Bengali dish made by infusing sweet yoghurt with elaichi. This is often overlooked by Rasgulla and Sandesh. The balance between caramelized sugar and cardamom gives a flavour which indeed gives a refreshing and rich flavour. This is one of the most satisfying Indian desserts and is most delicate.
2. Nankhatai
This is a cookie which is a traditional Indian Shortbread cookie. This is not as popular as those packaged biscuits. These cookies melt in the mouth and contain a subtle use of cardamom, which creates a buttery aromatic treat that is best for having with tea or coffee. You may have seen this in shops or on trains where some sellers sell biscuits. However, It has a pleasant smell and homemade feel but it is often skipped.
3. Sheer Khurma
Kheer is the known dish among most of the Indians and Sheer Khurma is overlooked as it is richer than Kheer and deserves more attention I feel. This is made in Mughalai-style where fried vermicelli, milk, dry fruits and a slight touch of cardamom are added to get that perfect combo of royal and indulgent dessert. Most Muslims make this during Eid and celebrate by sharing it and this for sure deserves a place beyond festive occasions.
4. Masala Milk
Masala milk is forgotten because of the presence of chai. But this drink is made with a combination of spices and tastes which gives pure comfort. This is drank warm, spiced milk drink in which elaichi, saffron, spices and nuts. It gives a gentle, creamy and mild fragrance that is very perfect for bedtime or winter drinks.
5. Shrikhand
It is a thick yoghurt dish which is sweetened. This dessert is mostly overlooked in favour of creamier sweets like Rabri. But when cardamom is added to shrikhand, it becomes a refreshing and flavourful treat for summer. The smooth texture balances sweetness. But still, it is a hidden gem.
6. Zafrani Pulao
Biriyani is always dominated as it has a lot of fans all over India. So, because of biriyani, Zafrani Pulao remains underrated even though it has a royal origin. This rice is made by infusing saffron with mildly sweet hints of cardamom and nuts. This gives an aromatic and becomes an alternative for biriyani. This dish is perfect for those who love subtle and rich flavours.
7. Thandai
This drink is made during Holi, it is a chilled drink made with milk that is flavoured with elaichi, fennel and saffron. This recipe deserves appreciation for a complete year. This drink is naturally stuffed with digestive and cooling benefits, unlike usual cold drinks which are loaded with a lot of sugar. This is a more healthy and flavorful alternative.
8. Parsi Lagan Nu Custard
This Parsi cuisine is underrated and the same for its lagan nu custard. This is a baked dessert made with milk, elaichi and nutmeg. Although It doesn’t taste like normal Indian sweets, the custard gives a rich taste. This becomes a unique blend of Indian and Western-style desserts.
9. Barfi
Barfi is made and sold in various flavours. Still, most people don’t buy elaichi barfi and is forgotten & people love to buy fancier versions like kaju katli and chocolate barfi. This recipe is straightforward to make and is a delicious milk-based sweet with a balanced flavour of cardamom. Then, This is also a true representation of traditional Indian flavour.
10. Mawa Cake
This cake is made with khoya (milk solids), nuts, and elaichi. This is the hidden gem of Parsi bakeries. But modern cakes like Ice cream, chocolate, red velvet and many fancy cakes dominate the mawa cakes market. The cardamom and buttery flavour of the cakes makes it an underappreciated classic.
Final Thoughts
There are many dishes where cardamom is overused for its flavour, but the above 10 dishes enhance the flavour without immensing it and those dishes deserve more but are underrated. These dishes deserve more recognition for their perfect blend of sweetness, spice and aroma. Have you tried them, if haven’t, this is the time to taste them and explore the magic of cardamom in Indian Cuisine.
What do you think? Which underrated Indian food with cardamom do you love the most? Let us know your thoughts!
Related Articles:
0 Comments