How to use Cardamom? Cardamom is an aromatic spice, which has been treasured across the world over centuries. It is also called the Queen of Spice it is produced by the plant Elettaria cardamomum and it is characterized by a warm, sweet and slightly spicy taste with overtones of floral, citrusy as well as herbal notes.
It is a tiny, yet potent spice, which has found its way into most culinary dishes, such as Indian curries and Middle Eastern desserts, Scandinavian pastries, and African cuisines. Coming in the form of green cardamom pods, whole seeds, or ground cardamom, it is simple to add to an extremely broad range of dishes.
Cardamom in Savory Cooking (Globally Inspired Dishes)
Savoury dishes with cardamom provide a distinctive warmth and flavour.
- Curries & Stews: Whole pods or ground cardamom may be used in Indian curries, Mughlai chicken, Turkish or Moroccan stews and lentil soups to provide aromatic layers of flavour.
- Rice & Grains: Add whole pods in biryani, pilaf or rice water. Such examples are Cardamom Cashew Rice or Pumpkin baked Rice.
- Other Savory uses: Cardamom works well in spice blends such as garam masala or Thai curry paste and works well with meats like sausages or Swedish meatballs, tomato sauces, beans, chili or scrambled eggs.
Cooking tips: Pods should be crushed a little before cooking and removed before serving or a bitter bite will be taken.
Cardamom in Baking and Desserts
Cardamom has a light, sweet-spicy flavour that can be used to add flavour to the baked items and desserts. The major cardamom uses in baking are;
- Classic desserts: Nordic breads and pastry such as kardemummabullar and pulla, German holiday cookies such as Pfeffernuesse and Indian sweets such as kheer, gulab jamun and laddu.
- Cookies, Cakes and Pastries: Cardamom Sugar cookies, Chai cupcake, Pumpkin Pudding Cake and gingerbread cookies are some examples.
- Puddings and Cream Desserts: Add cardamom, a pinchful to rice puddings, custards, cheesecakes, kulfi, tapioca, waffles or French toast.
- Cardamom and Chocolate Pairing: It pairs well with desserts such as Swedish Kladdkaka, Cardamom Mousse or chocolate bark.
Cardamom in Beverages and Drink Mixes
The cardamom tea, coffee and other beverages perfectly portray its distinctive taste.
- Teas & Coffee: Cardamom is brewed into Middle Eastern cardamom coffee or masala chai, and it will always make a relaxing and flavourful cup. Homemade chai tea is one of the things you can make at home to have a warm up.
- Warm & Alcoholic Beverages: Pour into mulled wine, into Hot Buttered Cider or into homemade cardamom syrups and liqueurs.
- Cold Refreshing Drinks: Add to mango lassi, cardamom-frozen coffee or summer coolers to naturally enhance flavours.
Tips for Maximizing Cardamom Flavour and Usage
To get the best cardamom flavour profile from cardamom, follow these simple tips:
- Storage & Freshness: Keep cardamom in pods in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture.
- Preparation: Crush pods and extract seeds before grinding fresh. Lightly toasting seeds enhances flavour.
- Measurements: About 10 pods equal 1.5 teaspoons of ground cardamom. A little goes a long way.
Varieties & Grades:
- Green cardamom: sweet, floral, and eucalyptus notes and it is perfect for desserts.
- Black cardamom: smoky and resinous; better for savory dishes.
- Premium grade (Extra Fancy, G#1) pods provide the richest aroma.
Conclusion
Cardamom is a truly versatile and luxurious spice. From warming curries to sweet pastries, and from aromatic teas to refreshing beverages, it brings a touch of elegance and depth to any recipe. Explore its sweet-spicy notes and experiment with this Queen of Spice in your cooking, baking, and drinks; you will be amazed at how such a small pod can transform your dishes. Buy best cardamom from kerala spices online today.
