Ingredients
2 cups water
2 teaspoons black tea leaves (Assam or Darjeeling tea works well)
3-4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 cup milk
Sugar or sweetener (optional), to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a saucepan or kettle.
2. While the water is boiling, lightly crush 3-4 green cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife. This helps release their flavor.
3. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the crushed cardamom pods and 2 teaspoons of black tea leaves to the water.
4. Let the tea leaves and cardamom simmer in the water for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Adjust the brewing time according to your preference for tea strength.
5. Meanwhile, pour 1 cup of milk into the saucepan. You can adjust the ratio of water to milk based on how strong or milky you prefer your tea.
6. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes on low heat. Be careful not to let the milk boil over.
7. Add sugar or sweetener according to your taste preferences. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
8. Once the tea reaches your desired strength and flavor, turn off the heat and strain the tea into cups using a fine mesh strainer or tea filter.
9. Serve the hot and aromatic elaichi tea immediately. Optionally, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom on top for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.

Enjoy your cup of sunshine!