Cardamom is a fragrant spice that comes from Sri Lanka and India. Known for its special scent, it has been used in cooking and medicine for ages. Often called the “queen of spices,” cardamom brings a magical twist to meals. Here’s a fun fact: it helps with digestion and freshens breath! Studies show it’s packed with antioxidants too. If you love bold, exotic tastes, cardamom is a must-have! Curious about its secrets? This spice provides more than just taste, offering delightful surprises in each pinch!
The seed pods contain a reddish brown, slightly sticky liquid known as oil or aril.
Ground cardamom is also called cardamon, caromum, karavilli, and karatni.
What is ground cardamom used for?
It’s a spice with a strong, pungent flavor that is used in both sweet and savory dishes.
It’s a popular ingredient in many Indian desserts, such as halwa (a traditional dessert made from milk), laddus (sweet balls made from flour and soaked in sugar syrup), and chikki (small fried snacks).
Ground cardamom is often added to coffee drinks, including milky beverages like chai (tea) and masala chai (with spices like ginger and cinnamon)
You can add ground cardamom to curries and stews — it adds a distinctively spicy flavor that is not found in the other ingredients.
What does ground cardamom taste like?
Ground cardamom is pungent and nutty-tasting.
Although the flavor is intense, it isn’t overwhelming, and it doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
When ground cardamom is combined with other seasonings, it creates a complex flavor profile that can be enjoyed by people who enjoy a variety of cuisines.
How do you use ground cardamom?
Ground cardamom is commonly used in Indian cuisine.
You might see it in lentil dishes, meat dishes, rice dishes, and vegetable dishes.
It’s also common to sprinkle it on top of yogurt.
In addition to being added to savory dishes, you can also use ground cardamom to make sweets.
It can be added to cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
Ground cardamom is often used in Indian sweets because it provides a unique flavor that compliments the sweetness of the other ingredients.
What are some recipes that use ground cardamom?
Here are just a few examples of how ground cardamom is used in Indian cuisine:
Chunky Lentil Soup
This soup is easy to prepare and is packed with protein.
It includes ground cardamom, which makes it extra tasty and nutritious.
Spicy Lamb Curry
Lamb curry is one of the most popular dishes in India.
This recipe uses ground cardamom to add a distinctive flavor to the dish.
Biryani
The biryani recipe below uses ground cardamom to create a unique flavor combination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Paneer Tikka Masala
A tikka masala is a popular dish that combines paneer (cheese) with tomatoes and spices.
This recipe uses ground cardamom to give the dish a unique flavor.
Ginger Carrot Soup
This soup is full of nutrients and tastes great.
The fresh ginger gives it a refreshing flavor.
It also contains ground cardamom, which adds a nutty, tangy flavor to the broth.
Where can I buy ground cardamom?
Ground cardamom is available at grocery stores, health food stores, online retailers, and specialty spice shops.
Some supermarkets sell ground cardamom in small packages that are perfect for making small batches of tea.
How do I store ground cardamom?
Store ground cardamom in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
If you purchase ground cardamom in bulk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then put it in a resealable bag.
Store it in the refrigerator if possible.
Ground cardamom will keep indefinitely.
How long does ground cardamom last?
Ground cardamom should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Because ground cardamom is so concentrated, it tends to lose its potency quickly.
If you don’t use it within a month, toss it out.
What is the nutritional value of ground cardamom?
Ground cardamom is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, copper, calcium, iron, and zinc.
It also contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
These chemicals help protect your body against cancer and heart disease.
Are there any health benefits of ground cardamom?
A study published in Nutrition Research found that those who ate more than two servings of ground cardamom per week were less likely to develop diabetes.
Another study showed that eating ground cardamom reduced inflammation and lowered blood pressure.
People who eat ground cardamom regularly may experience fewer headaches and migraines.
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