A Beginner's Guide to Cardamom: 6 Easy Recipes to Try at Home

The Queen of Spices

Cardamom is sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Spices" due to its distinctive flavour and versatility in cooking. Cardamom is a spice that has been used for centuries in culinary and medicinal applications. With its unique flavour and aroma, it has become a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world. In this article, we will explore the history, uses, and benefits of cardamom.

History

Cardamom has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was first cultivated in the forests of southern India, where it was used for its medicinal properties. The spice was later traded throughout the Middle East and Europe, where it became popular in cuisine.

Uses

Cardamom is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. In Indian cuisine, it is a key ingredient in masala chai and biryani. In the Middle East, it is commonly used in coffee and desserts. Cardamom is also popular in Scandinavian cuisine, where it is used in baking.

Benefits

Cardamom has numerous health benefits. It is known to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve oral health. Cardamom is also rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cardamom is a valuable spice with a rich history and versatile uses. Its unique flavour and aroma make it a staple in many cuisines around the world. Whether you are using it in a savoury dish or a sweet dessert, cardamom is a spice that can enhance any recipe. So why not try adding some cardamom to your next meal and enjoy its delicious flavour and health benefits?

Celebrate the versatility of the cardamom with these 6 easy recipes

Masala Chai

Masala chai is a popular Indian tea that is made with a blend of spices, including cardamom. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups milk
• Honey or sugar to taste

Instructions

1. In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ginger. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the milk and heat until hot but not boiling.
4. Strain the tea into mugs and add honey or sugar to taste.

Biryani is a flavourful Indian rice dish that is often made with cardamom. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and garam masala. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Add the rice and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
6. Add the water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
7. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Biscotti is a type of Italian cookie that is twice-baked, resulting in a crunchy texture. This recipe adds cardamom and almonds for extra flavour.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped almonds.
6. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long.
7. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup pearl sugar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm, then stir in the melted butter.
3. Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle the cardamom and pearl sugar over the dough, then roll it up and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown

Cardamom is a popular spice in Middle Eastern coffee, and this recipe adds a unique twist with the addition of rose water. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 tbsp ground Arabic coffee
• 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 tbsp rose water
• Sugar to taste

Instructions

1. In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the coffee and cardamom pods, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the coffee grounds settle to the bottom.
4. Stir in the rose water and sugar to taste.
5. Pour the coffee into small cups and serve with dates or other sweet treats.

Cardamom Gin and Tonic

Try this unique and flavourful cocktail that features the subtle spice of cardamom infused in gin and paired with bright lime and tonic water for a refreshing effervescence.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 25ml lime juice
• 12.5ml cardamom syrup*
• Tonic water
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lime juice, and cardamom syrup. Shake well.
2. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
3. Top with tonic water and stir.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

*To make cardamom syrup

• Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup crushed cardamom pods in a saucepan.
• Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar has dissolved.
• Let cool, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve.

Note: You can adjust the amount of cardamom syrup to your liking, depending on how strong you want the cardamom flavour to be.