Pistachio and Cardamom Chocolate Puds

We dont have a huge tradition of Indian Desserts in our family. We have a small number of family favourites.  My sister Nish  makes this gorgeous chocolate mousse, which I have adapted to include a cardamom flavour. You would'nt normally think of putting chocolate and cardamom together, but this  works and then with a topping of mascarpone and pistachios, these are little chocolate gems!

300 ml Fresh cream
200g Dark chocolate ( I have used milk as I ran out of dark) coarsely  chopped up
2-3 cardomum pods (or powder if you dont have pods - I would use about a 1/4 tsp or less depending on how fragrant you want it)
Pinch of cinnamon
2 Egg yolks
200g  Mascarpone ( save a small amount  for a dallop on top for decorating)
Slivers of pistachios for sprinkling

You can replace with cinnamon or nutmeg and sprinkle with orange zest (especially over christmas)

1. Gently heat the cream in a saucepan over  low heat, when it starts simmering, remove it from the heat  and the chocolate, whisk until it has all melted

2. I f you are using the cardamom pods, crush them open and grind the black seeds, add them to cream and chocolate mixture and then the cinnamon.

3. Separate the egg yolks and whisk them into the mixture and then add the mascarpone, divide between 4-6 glasses, Decorate with a dollop of cream and pistachios.
 I used traditional Turkish tea glasses that I bought when we were in Olu deniz in Turkey to drink my apple tea out of.  You can use shot glasses too.  Place in the fridge for 6 hours.

Divine!

Enjoy!

Till Next time.

Ashia