Heera Black Cardamom 50g

Nihari simmering overnight at a Hyderabad friend's flat, and a smoky pod surfacing at breakfast.

• What: Black cardamom (badi elaichi, periya elakkai), whole pods
• Pack: 50 g
• Brand: Heera
• Best for: Biryani, rajma, meat curries, garam masala

What it is

Heera is the main brand of P&B (Foods) Ltd, a Bradford-based company that describes itself as one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of Asian foods across Britain and Europe. This is its black cardamom, the big wrinkled pods Tamil kitchens call periya elakkai.

The smoky taste comes from the traditional way the pods are dried, over open flames. It is nothing like green cardamom and does not replace it. One bruised pod is enough for a pot of biryani, rajma or mutton curry. Choosing a cardamom? Black for smoky, slow-cooked savoury dishes; green for payasam, tea and sweets; mace when you want a softer warmth in biryani.

Tip: Press the pod with the flat of a knife until it just cracks before it goes in. Whole pods give up very little.

Goes well with: Heera Red Kidney Beans, Laila Basmati Rice, Heera Jawantry (Mace)

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