Place the green cardamom pods in a mortar. Crush them gently until they open. Do not grind them into a fine powder. The crushed pods release their fragrant oils beautifully during cooking.

Add water, crushed cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for two minutes so the spices release their warm flavors.

Add the black tea leaves to the spiced water. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for another two minutes. Avoid cooking the tea too long because it can develop a bitter taste.

Pour the milk into the saucepan and stir gently. Increase the heat slightly and allow the tea to come close to a gentle boil. Watch carefully so the milk does not overflow.

Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Taste the tea carefully after a minute. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter and more traditional-style cup.

Let the tea simmer for another two minutes. Stir occasionally while the flavors blend together. The color should become creamy brown, and the cardamom aroma should become easy to notice.

Turn off the heat and place a tea strainer over two cups. Pour the hot tea through the strainer. This removes the tea leaves, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom pieces.

Add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom to each cup if desired. Serve the tea immediately while it is hot. Enjoy it slowly with biscuits, toast, or your favorite snack.