20 Cardamom Recipes feature a variety of aromatic baked goods like cookies, cakes, drinks and desserts. If you are wondering how to use cardamom, then you will find ideas ranging from Indian sweets to cozy breakfasts that are guaranteed to impress.
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Cardamom, also known as cardamon or elaichi, is a fragrant spice indigenous to Southeast Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Middle Eastern regions. It possesses a floral aroma accompanied by a subtle citrusy flavor.
There are two widely recognized types of cardamom: green and black. Green cardamom is the more prevalent variety, extensively utilized in both sweet and savory dishes across Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, as well as in Scandinavian baking.
In contrast, black cardamom offers a smokier profile and finds primary application in savory dishes, particularly in Indian and Chinese culinary traditions.
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Cooking with cardamom
Cardamom is a versatile spice renowned for imparting a unique aroma and flavor that enhances a diverse array of dishes, from savory to sweet treats.
Whole cardamom pods, often paired with complementary spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, or bay leaves, are used to impart flavor to dishes such as curries, pilafs, biryanis, and stews. Crushed pods are also added to beverages like chai tea to infuse them with a fragrant aroma, as demonstrated in the chai mug cake recipe.
Ground cardamom is a staple in sweet recipes such as halwa, laddoo, rice pudding, and kheer, as well as in baking cakes, cookies, breads, and buns. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in spice blends like garam masala and curry powders.
For mango recipes, it lends a lovely aromatic note, while in fall baking recipes, cardamom enriches the flavors.
Best way to grind cardamom at home
While ground cardamom is readily available at grocery stores, I prefer to make my own cardamom powder at home. Ground cardamom can lose its fragrance over time, making freshly ground cardamom powder unmatched in aroma and flavor compared to store-bought varieties.
Grinding cardamom at home is straightforward. Simply add ¼ to ½ cup of green cardamom pods to a small, dry grinder like a coffee grinder or NutriBullet, and process until you achieve a fine powder. Optionally, you can sift the ground cardamom through a mesh sieve to remove any remaining husks or coarse bits.
Storing ground cardamom
Freshly ground cardamom should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight, to maintain its flavor and aroma.
Personally, I prefer storing my cardamom powder in a sealed, airtight freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer, where it can stay fresh and aromatic for up to a year. This freezer storage method ensures optimal freshness, ideal for all your baking endeavors.
Cardamom recipes
Whether it's making chai tea more cozy or adding rich flavor to curry, cardamom's delightful aroma always captures attention. Its ability to work in both sweet and savory foods shows why it's so important in cooking around the world.
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