50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (2024)

Home Recipes Cuisines Asia Indian

50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (1)Caroline Stanko

50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (2)Amy GlanderUpdated: Dec. 15, 2023

    Savor the aromatic, sweet taste of cardamom. This Eastern spice shines in a host of recipes, from globally inspired dishes to traditional holiday classics.

    1/50

    Kulfi

    I grew up near Little India in California, and I loved the desserts from Indian sweets shops. One of them sold kulfi, a spiced and nutty frozen custard in cone molds. Here I use a shortcut method to make kulfi quickly and without any special equipment. The whole milk can be replaced with mango pulp for mango kulfi. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida

    (Check out these other Indian dessert recipes!)

    Go to Recipe

    2/50

    Taste of Home

    Mughali Chicken

    I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas

    Go to Recipe

    3/50

    Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine

    Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    4/50

    Taste of Home

    Swedish Almond Rusks

    Not too sweet, these nutty, crunchy cookies go well with a cup of hot coffee...and travel well in care packages, too!

    Go to Recipe

    5/50

    Taste of Home

    Finnish Mulled Wine

    I found this recipe stuck in the pages of my Finnish grandmother's Bible. It takes 24 hours to make. Store tightly bottled in the fridge for up to two weeks. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

    Go to Recipe

    6/50

    Cardamom Sugar Cookies

    The warm flavor of cardamom spices up these classic sugar cookies. They’re the ideal treat for your homemade goody basket. Tint the glaze to fit the season.—Darina Jurasek, Salmon Arm, British Columbia

    Go to Recipe

    7/50

    Curried Pork and Green Tomatoes

    When the tomatoes are green in the garden, my husband and sons are thrilled to know this dish will appear on several weekly menus. I've passed the recipe on more times than I can count.

    Go to Recipe

    8/50

    9/50

    Taste of Home

    Crispy Norwegian Bows

    I've been fixing these cookies for so long, I don't recall where the recipe came from. They're a "must" at our house.—Janie Norwood, Albany, Georgia

    Go to Recipe

    10/50

    Taste of Home

    Peach and Berry Cobbler

    This is one of my favorite summer recipes because it features peaches and berries that are in season, but it is just as delicious with frozen fruit. The quick biscuit topping brings it all together. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa

    Go to Recipe

    11/50

    Cider Doughnuts

    Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa

    Go to Recipe

    12/50

    My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California

    13/50

    Taste of Home

    Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin

    This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights. You can use grain, squash, fruits and nuts to suit your taste—it's impossible to go wrong! —Lynn Heisel, Jackson, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    14/50

    Taste of Home

    Earl Grey Tea Cookies

    Biscuit-like Earl Grey cookies are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie swaps because they are truly unique. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut

    Go to Recipe

    15/50

    Gingered Apricot-Apple Crumble

    This crumble is tasty hot or cold, plain or topped with ice cream. If you're not fond of apricots, leave them out for a traditional apple crisp. —Sylvia Rice, Didsbury, Alberta

    Go to Recipe

    16/50

    Chocolate Lebkuchen

    Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    17/50

    Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits

    I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

    Go to Recipe

    18/50

    Blood Orange Avocado Salad

    My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

    Go to Recipe

    19/50

    Mango Lassi

    Learn how to make mango lassi, the perfect summer drink any mango lover will love. Mango lassi is a sweet and refreshing treat only needs 6 ingredients! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana

    Go to Recipe

    20/50

    Taste of Home

    Cardamom Spritz

    As far back as I remember, I have loved cardamom. My grandmother often added the spice to her baked goods. I usually make these cookies with a spritz press—and camel disk—that I found at a thrift shop. It reminds me of a time when I rode a camel in the desert while deployed with the Navy. Of course, any design will do! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

    Go to Recipe

    21/50

    Hot Buttered Cider Mix

    Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    22/50

    Taste of Home

    Cardamom Braids

    This is an old recipe that I like to make for breakfast. Slices are splendid for dunking in a cup of coffee. —Walter Dust, Rapid City, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    23/50

    Taste of Home

    Apple-Honey Dutch Baby

    I love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven...and the apple honey filling is yummy! —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    24/50

    Cardamom Cheesecake Bars

    Fans of cheesecake will love these bite-sized desserts. Crunchy and smooth, they're perfect for the holidays—or any other time.—Judi Oudekerk, Buffalo, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    25/50

    Curry Scramble

    I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

    Go to Recipe

    26/50

    Spiced German Cookies

    These buttery spice cookies are a cross between sugar cookies and gingerbread, creating the best of both worlds. —April Drasin, Van Nuys, California

    Go to Recipe

    27/50

    Taste of Home

    Cardamom Sour Cream Waffles

    Sweet with just the right amount of spice, these easy waffles make it nearly impossible to skip your morning meal. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

    Go to Recipe

    28/50

    Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding

    Nothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California

    Go to Recipe

    29/50

    The Ultimate Fish Tacos

    This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California

    Go to Recipe

    30/50

    Taste of Home

    Apple Betty with Almond Cream

    I love making this apple betty for friends during the peak of apple season. I plan a quick soup and bread meal, so we can get right to the dessert! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois

    Go to Recipe

    31/50

    32/50

    33/50

    Taste of Home

    Almond-Chai Granola

    Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan

    Go to Recipe

    34/50

    Chai Cupcakes

    You'll get a double dose of the spicy blend that's frequently used to flavor tea in these moist cakes. Both the cupcake and frosting use the blend, which combines some of the best flavors of the season. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    35/50

    Taste of Home

    Orange and Beet Salad

    This jewel-colored orange and beet salad is one where I just kept adding touches until I got it just the way I want it. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California

    Go to Recipe

    36/50

    Taste of Home

    Cardamom Pumpkin Pudding Cake

    This no-egg cake is quick, easy and bursting with flavor. I like to serve it with ice cream or whipped cream. —J. Fleming, Almonte, Ontario

    Go to Recipe

    37/50

    Turkey Curry with Rice

    When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

    Go to Recipe

    38/50

    Taste of Home

    Chai Tea Sandwich Cookies

    You’ll love these cookies filled with a dreamy chai-infused ganache. They’re perfect after a meal, with a cup of tea, as a breakfast treat—or anytime at all. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa

    Go to Recipe

    39/50

    Taste of Home

    Red Lentil Soup Mix

    Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    40/50

    Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles

    I love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas

    Go to Recipe

    41/50

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chai Tea

    A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

    Go to Recipe

    42/50

    Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting

    When I spread these spicy gingerbread rounds with my lemony cream cheese frosting, I knew I had a hit. Cardamom and allspice add a hint of chai tea flavor. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

    Go to Recipe

    43/50

    Pfeffernuesse Cookies

    A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

    Go to Recipe

    44/50

    Sunburst Spiced Tea

    Our culinary experts use oranges and lemon to lend a lovely citrus flavor to ordinary black tea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Go to Recipe

    45/50

    Pistachio Cardamom Cheesecake

    Cardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. —Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California

    Go to Recipe

    46/50

    Pumpkin Eggnog Rolls

    I needed to use up some eggnog, so I swapped it for milk in my sweet rollrecipe. Even people who usually don’t go for eggnog go back for seconds of these yummy frosted treats. —Rebecca Soske, Douglas, Wyoming

    Go to Recipe

    47/50

    Citrus Gingerbread Cookies

    Orange and lemon zest give gingerbread cutouts a refreshing twist. Brushing a honey glaze over the top adds a subtle shine and an extra touch of sweetness. —Monique Hooker, DeSoto, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    48/50

    Spiced Peach Cobbler

    When you tuck into this warm and comforting fresh peach cobbler, you won’t miss the extra fat and calories a bit! —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York

    Go to Recipe

    49/50

    50/50

    Taste of Home

    Warm Spiced Chai

    My wife loves chai, but I have never been satisfied with any of the store-bought mixes, so I created my own. —Justin Weber, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: September 14, 2020

    50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (49)

    Caroline Stanko

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (50)

    Amy Glander

    Amy is a book editor at Taste of Home where she gets to pour her passions for food and storytelling into trade and series cookbooks. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her antiquing, cooking and baking from her favorite vintage cookbooks and exploring Milwaukee’s urban beauty with her digital SLR in hand.

    50 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient (2024)

    FAQs

    What dishes can cardamom be used in? ›

    Many Indian and Indian-inspired dishes call for cardamom, including curry dishes, Kheer (Indian rice pudding), and chai. Indian spice blends such as garam masala also feature cardamom. You'll also find cardamom adds warmth and depth to baked goods such as cookies, bread pudding, and even cheesecake.

    What does cardamom do for men? ›

    Owing to its aphrodisiac properties, cardamom is believed to eliminate problems like premature ejacul*tion and impotency. The unique aromatic and substance composition of cardamom makes it an ideal, low-risk option to treat problems relating to sexual shortcomings.

    How do you get the most flavor out of 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.

    How to make your own cardamom? ›

    To make cardamom powder, first, place the pods on a plate and heat them in the microwave in 15-second bursts until warm to the touch. You can also dry roast them on a hot skillet for 1 minute. Allow to cool. Then, grind the whole pods in a grinder until finely ground.

    Who should not use cardamom? ›

    Potential Risks of Cardamom

    People with gallstones should not take cardamom except to flavor food. We also need more research to determine the effects of large amounts of cardamom on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you're considering taking cardamom as a supplement.

    What is cardamom most commonly used for? ›

    It has a distinctive flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. People may use cardamom seeds and pods in curries, desserts, and meat dishes, as well as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea. People may purchase cardamom as: whole seed pods with the seeds inside.

    What does cardamom do to the body? ›

    Cardamom is an herb that is often used as a spice in foods. The seeds and the oil from the seeds are sometimes used to make medicine. Cardamom contains chemicals that might kill some bacteria, reduce swelling, and help the immune system.

    Is cardamom Seductive? ›

    In the fragrance industry, cardamom brings a rich, seductive edge to perfumes, soaps, and, most importantly, candles!

    What are the benefits of eating cardamom at night? ›

    Well, cardamom is known for its potent medicinal benefits, which when combined with milk helps in relieving stress, anxiety and helps in inducing sleep. A combination of milk and cardamom at bed time also helps in boosting libido and improves the metabolic rate during sleep.

    What pairs with cardamom? ›

    Cardamom harmonizes beautifully with warming spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, to infuse dishes with captivating essence. Bringing forth a medley of flavor, this remarkable spice can elevate a variety of dishes, like stews, soups and curries, baked goods, desserts, and beverages such as coffee or tea.

    What does too much cardamom do? ›

    It can also cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Large doses can also cause hypertension and rapid heartbeat. Cardamom may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and drugs that affect the liver. So it's important to consult a doctor before consuming it.

    Can you eat raw cardamom? ›

    In some cultures, it's common to freshen your breath by eating entire cardamom pods after a meal (1). Even the chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley uses the spice in one of its products.

    What spice is similar to cardamom? ›

    What you're trying to replicate when using a cardamom substitute is that cozy, earthy flavor that smells the way a warm, tight hug feels. The best replacements for ground cardamom are spices that have that same aroma and flavor, such as allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    How do you use cardamom in recipes? ›

    Cardamom can be blended with other spices to bring out its sweet, aromatic characteristics. Adding a pinch to baking spice will create new depth and dimension in your baked goods. You can also mix it with individual baking spices, like cinnamon, cloves (whole or ground), and ginger.

    What are the traditional uses of cardamom? ›

    Ethnopharmacological relevance: Small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Family: Zingiberaceae)] capsules (fruits) have been used for traditional medicine applications including for the control of asthma, teeth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea, as well as cardiac, digestive and kidney disorders.

    What flavor does cardamom go with? ›

    What does cardamom taste like? Frisch says that cardamom has a complex aroma with a piney, fruity, and almost menthol-like flavor. When used too much, it can be slightly astringent. It pairs wonderfully with citrus, and works well in both desserts and savory dishes.

    Is cardamom used in savory dishes? ›

    Green cardamom, a.k.a. “true cardamom,” can be widely used in savory as well as sweet dishes.

    What does cardamom smell good with? ›

    The fragrance of cardamom blends well with bergamot, rose, cedar, cinnamon, clove, orange and ylang ylang.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6171

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

    Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

    Birthday: 1993-03-26

    Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

    Phone: +5938540192553

    Job: Administration Developer

    Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

    Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.