In this article, we’re covering cardamom. We’ll describe the taste, texture and uses for this spice so you can start getting creative in the kitchen.
Let’s dive right in…
What Does Cardamom Taste Like?
Cardamom is a sweet-smelling spice that’s used around the world in curries, desserts, breads and pastries. It will probably remind you of nutmeg, allspice and cloves, but without the bitterness.
Cardamom is like a more floral version of nutmeg, a touch spicy with hints of black pepper and rich in flavor. Citrus is commonly detected in cardamom, along with a vaguely herbal quality.
Cardamom Texture
Ground cardamom will be a fine, dry powder that won’t add any texture to your recipe. This is what’s usually used in baked goods.
Cardamom also comes in pod form. The parchment-like pods contain slightly stick seeds. You can cook with the pods to season a dish, and whether you pick them out or eat them is totally up to you.
Related Article: What Does Cajun Seasoning Taste Like?
What Does Cardamom Go Well With?
For savory foods, cardamom goes well with curry spices, including coriander, turmeric, ginger and cumin. It’ll also pair with citrus and strong spices and herbs.
This spice is superb with chocolate and vanilla, which means vegan cakes, chocolate mousse, brownies and more. Anytime you’re using cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a dessert, you can also reach for cardamom. It’s divine with apples.
Can You Eat Cardamom Pods Raw?
You can actually chew cardamom pods as little breath sweeteners, though you’ll probably prefer to spit them out.
The pods are more frequently crushed up with a mortar and pestle for cooking. This releases the aromas and and flavors for a more powerful effect.
You Might Also Like: What Does Canada Dry Taste Like?
What’s a Substitute for Cardamom?
Unfortunately, cardamom is so distinctive that you’ll have a hard time trying to match it, but you can use certain spices that are compatible and therefore reasonable substitutes.
Allspice and cinnamon are the easiest replacements. You may even add a touch of ground ginger if you’re making something a little spicier. The best substitutes for cardamom will blend a few different warming spices to get closer to the mix of sweet, floral and spicy notes.
Cardamom Recipe Tips
Do you love cinnamon buns? If you do, you’ve got to try vegan cardamom buns. Watch these videos to learn how to make all sorts of vegan fare with cardamom.
Recommended Article: What Does Carob Taste Like?
The scent of these cardamom buns baking in the oven is going to make your home smell better than a Yankee candle.
To make them, you’re going to need:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Salt
- Ground cardamom
- Water
- Plant milk
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Coconut sugar
- Cinnamon
- Chopped almonds
Strawberry cardamom milk will make everyone happy, kids and adults alike.
Here are the ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- Almonds
- Water
- Cardamom pods
Further Reading: What Does Cashew Cheese Taste Like?
This button mushroom masala will show you what cardamom in a savory dish might look like.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Button mushrooms
- Onion
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Mustard oil
- Bay leaf
- Cardamom pods
- Cinnamon stick
- Cumin seeds
- Ground coriander
- Turmeric powder
- Chili powder
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Coriander leaves (cilantro)
Wrap Up
Cardamom is similar to cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, but it’s sweeter and more floral with a strong perfume. Some of the popular recipes that include cardamom are Indian curries, vegan cakes and fruit pies, though you can add a pinch to beverages and creamy vegan sauces, too. Aim for simple vanilla cakes and pastries with cardamom to showcase its incredible flavors, then graduate to more complex recipes like vegan masalas. You’ll never get bored with this spice.
Related Article: What Does Cashew Fruit Taste Like?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
