What substitute for cardamom do you suggest? The best way to determine substitution is by looking at the main ingredients in the recipe. If the recipe you are making has a lot of Indian food herbs and spices then cumin goes well as a replacement for cardamom. In this post, we are going to show some substitutes for cardamom.
What is Cardamom?
Cardamom is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, but it has spread throughout Asia and Africa as well as some parts of Europe. The cardamom plant grows up to 10 feet tall with dark green leaves that are divided into three segments ending in an elongated leaf tip which gives it its name cardamom which means “small column”. The plant produces small white flowers that produce pods containing seeds which we use for cooking purposes.
The pods are harvested after they ripen and are dried out in the sun until they turn black than brown in color before being removed from their stems. They are then ready for use in cooking or brewing beverages such as wine or beer!
Green vs. White Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice made from the dried fruits of a tropical plant. The two main types are green and white.
Green cardamom is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine, where it’s used in everything from curries to chai tea. The flavor is more intense than that of white cardamom and has been described as having a lemony, piney, and minty taste. Green cardamom is also used in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in sweet dishes like baklava and Basbousa cake.
White cardamom is milder than green cardamom and less expensive. It’s often used with black peppercorns to season meat dishes such as chicken tagine or lamb vindaloo, as well as in desserts like rice pudding and baklava.
The 10 Best Substitutes For Cardamom
I love cardamom because it’s such a versatile spice and it adds so much flavor to dishes. But what do you do if you don’t have any?
Here are some suggestions for substituting for cardamom:
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a bit sweeter, with a mellow woodiness. Substitute 1 tsp cinnamon for 1/4 tsp cardamom.
2. Cloves
Clove is more assertive than cardamom, but it’s still in the same family. Use 1/2 tsp clove for 1/4 tsp cardamom.
3. Allspice
Allspice is similar to cardamom in some ways (mildly spicy), but different in others (sweet and fruity). Substitute 1/4 tsp allspice for 1/4 tsp cardamom.
4. black peppercorns
Black peppercorns are small black seeds that have been dried and ground into powder. They have a similar flavor to black pepper with a slight nutty undercurrent.
5. Nutmeg
Ginger has many of the same properties as cardamom, but it’s much easier to find and much less expensive than real cardamom. Ground ginger works well in desserts like apple pie or pumpkin pie because it adds just enough spice and sweetness without being overwhelming.
6. Coriander
Coriander is one of the most common substitutes for cardamom because it has a similar flavor profile. Coriander is known for its citrus notes and its floral aroma, so you can use it to add some brightness to your dish.
7. Cumin
Cumin is another great substitute for cardamom because it has a distinct earthy flavor that pairs well with meats and vegetables. You can use cumin in place of cardamom when you want to give your dish an extra depth of flavor without adding too much spice or sweetness.
8. Vanilla extract
Cardamom has a strong flavor that reminds people of vanilla when it’s cooked with other spices. To achieve this effect without using cardamom, try adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract per 1 cup of flour when making cakes or cookies.
9. Star anise
Star anise is another option for those who like Indian food but don’t want to spend a lot of money on cardamom. Star anise has a similar taste that can be substituted for 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder.
10. Fennel seeds
If you’re trying to make curry or chutney at home and don’t have any ground spices on hand, try fennel seeds instead of cardamom.
Delicious Cardamom Flavour Recipes
Cardamom has a gentle warming quality that can be used to enhance the flavor of many foods and drinks.
Here are some delicious cardamom flavored recipes:
1. Cardamom And Honey Tea
Add a few crushed seeds to your favorite mug of tea for a tasty treat. Great on toast or stirred into porridge or yogurt for breakfast.
2. Cardamom Banana Bread
Cardamom banana bread is an incredibly easy and delicious breakfast treat. It’s perfect for a weekend morning or even as a decadent dessert. The cardamom adds an exotic flavor to the banana bread, creating a wonderful combination. If you’ve never cooked with cardamom before, this recipe is a great place to start.
3. Cardamom Cauliflower Rice
This cauliflower rice recipe is so easy to make and it tastes amazing! It has all the flavors of Indian cuisine but it’s gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. This dish makes a great side dish or main meal and will be loved by everyone in your family!
4. Cardamom Cashew Butter
This cardamom cashew butter is one of my favorite nut butter! It’s really easy to make too – just throw everything into the food processor and blend until smooth! This sweet and spicy nut butter goes great on toast, pancakes, or just by itself!
5. Tart Cherry Jam with Chai Spices
This jam is a delicious way to use tart cherries. It’s also a great way to use up some of those heirloom varieties that are just too good to pass up! The spices give the jam a warm, autumnal taste.
6. Cherry Cardamom Baked Oatmeal
This is a healthy breakfast recipe that’s delicious and gluten-free. It makes for a satisfying morning meal or can be eaten as a healthy dessert!
FAQs
1. Is Cardamom the Same As Cassia?
In short, no. The two spices are similar in appearance and taste, but they don’t come from the same plant. While cardamom is native to India and Sri Lanka, cassia comes from a tree that grows in China and Indonesia. The two spices can be used interchangeably in recipes requiring the flavor of either spice.
2. Why do people substitute for cardamom?
Cardamom is an expensive spice that many cooks cannot afford to use in their recipes. If you want your dish to have a similar flavor without spending too much money on spices, you may want to consider substituting for cardamom during cooking instead of just leaving it out.
3. What does cardamom taste like?
Cardamom has a sweet-spicy flavor with a hint of citrusy undertones when fresh (which mellows as it ages), similar to ginger but with a more complex aroma that’s hard to describe! I think of it as almost tasting like Christmas with its piney smell – which makes sense since it’s native to India!
4. Can I use ground cinnamon instead of whole sticks?
Yes! Ground cinnamon is often used as a substitute for whole sticks because they have very similar flavors. However, there are slight differences between them that may affect some recipes.
5. What’s the difference between cardamom and cardamon?
They are both from the same plant, but they come from different places. Cardamom comes from the leafy green pods of an evergreen plant native to India and Sri Lanka. Cardamon comes from the seed pod of an evergreen bush native to southern Asia. The flavor is similar, but not identical.
In Conclusion
As a substitute for cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon can be used. They are quite similar in taste and use to cardamom. But if you’re cooking with them or using them to flavor rice dishes or something similar, it might be best to stick with true cardamom.
