Uses Of Cardamom

Whether used in an Indian and sri lankan curry or a Scandinavian pastry, cardamom is an intense, slightly sweet spice that instantly brings warmth and sweetness to any recipe. A favorite in the cuisines of the Middle East, North Africa, and Scandinavia, this spice is one of the most expensive in the world, but its strong flavor can’t be beaten.

kinds of cardamom use:

Cardamom comes in a few varieties, but the black and green pods are the most popular.Green cardamom’s herbal, citrusy, slightly sweet flavor is equally used in sweet and savory dishes.Black cardamom’s stronger, the menthol-like flavor is used mostly in savory dishes.White cardamom is actually green pods that have been bleached and tend to have a milder flavor.

Cook with cardamom:

You can purchase cardamom as pods, seeds or powder. For the boldest flavor, always start with whole pods since ground cardamom is more mild. If your recipe calls for whole pods, lightly toast them in a pan over medium heat until they’re aromatic, and remember to take them out before serving.Other recipes will call for the seeds—break open the pods and grind them up yourself for the best flavor. You can do so with an electric spice grinder or the old-fashioned way, with a mortar and pestle. Be careful when adding freshly ground cardamom to a dish: A little goes a long way. Cardamom can quickly overpower other ingredients, so gradually add it in.Cardamom pairs well with poultry, red meat, lentils, oranges, rice, and other warm spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s ideal in curries, teas, baked goods, and sausages.

Health benefits of cardamom:

Cardamom is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Cardamom is in the same family as ginger and turmeric, which are all great at balancing digestion, combating nausea, and fighting motion sickness. Some people even chew on the pods like gum because of their minty flavor.

Substitutes for cardamom:

Cardamom is hard to replace, but if you’re in a pinch, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves can work.Keep in mind that black cardamom isn’t a substitute for green cardamom, but green can substitute for black. The strong, smoky black cardamom would overpower any recipe that called for green.