Cardamom, adored in savory and sweet dishes alike, is a uniquely flavored spice indispensable in specific cuisines, especially Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. If you don't have any left at home, this guide will help you find the most suitable cardamom substitute.
What is Cardamom?
Cardamom pods come from the seeds of several plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The two main varieties used in cooking are green and black cardamom.
The green cardamom pod is oval-shaped and contains tiny black cardamom seeds that are finely ground to a powder. The pods and powder have floral notes, a lemon/mint flavor, and an intense aroma.
Cardamom pods are used worldwide in savory and sweet dishes but are indispensable in Indian cuisine. The spice mixes garam masala, and chai tea would only taste the same as cardamom. It also gives rice dishes, stews, baked goods, coffee, and chai a distinctive flavor.
Reasons for Substituting Cardamom
There are several reasons you may need to use a substitute for this singular spice:
- Allergies - Cardamom allergy is rare but possible. Substituting can allow more people to enjoy a recipe safely.
- Avoiding a dominant flavor - Cardamom's unique taste can sometimes overpower more delicate ingredients. Substituting can help other flavors shine through.
- Geographic unavailability - Cardamom is grown mainly in tropical regions. Substituting increases the accessibility of recipes.
- Cost - Cardamom is one of the world's most expensive spices by weight. Substituting provides a cheaper alternative.
Green cardamom vs Black cardamom
While there are several varieties of cardamom, green and black are the two main types used in cooking. Green cardamom is considered superior, with a complex citrusy aroma and sweet, spicy flavor. The pods are green in color and contain black seeds.
Black cardamom has an earthy flavor and is commonly used in Indian cooking. Black cardamom pods are larger and dark brown and oozes with a smoky flavor.
This article will focus on substitutions for the more common green cardamom variety, offering suitable alternatives to mimic its uniquely bright, floral essence. Now, let's explore how to work around not having those highly coveted green cardamom pods on hand!
The Best Substitute for Cardamom
Here are the best alternatives for replicating that distinctive cardamom flavor. The measurements provided are for ground cardamom.
1. Ground Ginger
Why it works: Ginger has a similar bold, citrusy flavor. It works exceptionally well in savory dishes with other aromatic spices.
Example dishes: Curries, stews, soups, chai tea
Measurement: Use a 1:1 ratio. Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) cardamom with 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
2. Ground Cinnamon
Why it works: Ground cinnamon has a mildly spicy warmth approximating cardamom’s heat. It’s common in spice mixes.
Example dishes: Baked goods, coffee, pork, stews
Measurement: Use equal parts ground cinnamon to ground cardamom.
3. Ground Allspice
Why it works: Allspice has hints of cinnamon, clove, and pepper, similar to cardamom.
Example dishes: Breads, cakes, stews, jerk chicken
Measurement: Use a 1:1 ratio. Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) cardamom with 1 teaspoon ground allspice.
4. Ground Cloves
Why it works: Cloves have an intensely aromatic, sweet-spicy flavor like cardamom. Use sparingly.
Example dishes: Cookies, chai, curries, rice pudding
Measurement: Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) cardamom with ¼-1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
5. Ground Coriander Seeds
Why it works: Coriander seeds' citrus notes approximate cardamom’s lemon flavor.
Example dishes: Curries, stews, roasted vegetables, chutneys
Measurement: Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) cardamom with 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
6. Green Sichuan Peppercorns
Why it works: Sichuan pepper has a lemony, slightly numbing effect reminiscent of cardamom.
Example dishes: Stir-fries, tom yum soup, five-spice powder
Measurement: Lightly crush 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns to equal 1 teaspoon (4-5g) of ground cardamom.
7. Garam Masala
Why it works: This Indian spice blend contains warming spices, including cinnamon, clove, cumin, and bay leaf.
Example dishes: Curries, dals, vegetable dishes, chicken tikka masala
Measurement: Use a 1:1 ratio.
8. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Why it works: This blend mimics cardamom’s sweet warmth with ginger, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Example dishes: Baked goods, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, chai tea
Measurement: Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) ground cardamom with 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
9. Mace
Why it works: Mace is made from the outer layer of nutmeg seeds. It has a similar sweetness and fragrance to cardamom.
Example dishes: Seafood, breads, cookies, rice pudding
Measurement: Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) of ground cardamom with ½ teaspoon of ground mace.
10. Fennel Seeds
Why it works: When ground, fennel seeds have an anise-like sweetness that mimics cardamom.
Example dishes: Breads, cookies, curries, braised meats
Measurement: Replace 1 teaspoon (4-5g) cardamom with 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds. Use less if you dislike a strong anise flavor.
11. Apple Pie Spice
Why it works: This blend contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that mimics cardamom's sweet spiciness.
Example dishes: Baked goods, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, chai tea
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Measurement: Substitute ground cardamom and equal amount of apple pie spice.
How Cardamom is Used in Different Dishes
To determine the closest substitute, it helps to look at how cardamom is specifically used in various sweet and savory dishes:
Curries
Cardamom is an essential ingredient in curry powder blends. It provides a citrusy, spicy aroma and a warming spiciness. Best cardamom substitute: For curries, garam masala, ginger, coriander, cloves, or cumin make great substitutes and will mimic cardamom's flavor profile well.
Rice
Cardamom pods are often cooked directly with rice to infuse the grains with intense cardamom essence. Best cardamom substitute: Cinnamon sticks or a few cloves added to the cooking liquid can approximate this spiced rice flavor.
Coffee and Tea
A dash of ground cardamom or a few crushed pods in coffee lends a lovely floral aroma and subtle sweetness. Best cardamom substitute: For coffee, ground cinnamon, ginger, or allspice, make suitable stand-ins to achieve the same rich, aromatic effect cardamom provides.
Stews and Soups
Cardamom adds layers of flavor complexity and other spices in hearty stews, curries, and savory dishes. It provides earthiness with hints of lemon and pine. Best cardamom substitute: Ground ginger, garam masala, cumin, or cinnamon closely replicate its taste and aroma in soups and stews.
Bread
Sweet and savory breads alike gain depth from cardamom's sweetly spiced notes. Best cardamom substitute for baking: For baked breads and rolls, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or mace make excellent substitutions with their warm, subtly spiced essences. Use equal parts cinnamon in place of ground cardamom.
Cakes and Cookies
A touch of cardamom enhances vanilla and chocolate in cakes, cookies, and sweet dishes. It provides a lovely floral sweetness. Best cardamom substitute for baking: Cinnamon, allspice, cloves, or ginger gives the closest flavor approximation in baked sweets.
Pies
Cardamom accentuates the filling in fruit, nuts, pumpkin pies, and other sweet dishes. Cardamom substitute: Cinnamon is the best stand-in for replicating cardamom’s aromatic qualities in pie recipes. Use equal parts cinnamon and cardamom.
Pancakes and Waffles
A pinch of ground cardamom in pancake or waffle batter lends a comforting, spiced aroma. Cardamom substitute: For breakfast foods, substituting with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice gets quite close to cardamom’s sweet warmth.
Oatmeal
A dash of cardamom takes oatmeal from boring to flavorful. Cardamom substitute: Like pancakes, substituting with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice gives oatmeal the same aroma boost that cardamom provides.
Roasted Vegetables
Cardamom's citrus fragrance enhances roasted veggies. Substitute for cardamom: Garam masala, cloves, cumin, or allspice make solid substitutions to achieve the same spiced roasted profile.
Meat Dishes
In meat curries, braises, marinades, and savory dishes, cardamom infuses rich, layered flavor. Cardamom substitutes: Garam masala, ginger, cloves, or coriander closely mimic cardamom's taste to pump up flavors in lamb, chicken, or beef.
Chutneys
Cardamom gives chutneys and relishes a bright, aromatic quality. Substitute for cardamom: For chutneys, ground ginger, green Sichuan peppercorns, or coriander seeds make excellent stand-ins for cardamom’s citrusy flavor.
Fruit Salads
A sprinkling of cardamom adds intrigue to fresh fruit and other sweet dishes. Cardamom substitute: Cinnamon subtly replicates this sweet enhancement of stone fruits and berries in fruit salads.
Custards and Puddings
In creamy desserts, cardamom provides a lovely aromatic note. Cardamom substitutes: Cinnamon, ginger, or fresh nutmeg mirror cardamom’s spiced complexity in custards and puddings.
Pickling Spice
Cardamom's lemony aroma infuses pickled fruits and vegetables. Substitutes for cardamom: Allspice, coriander seeds, or cloves should be used in pickling spice blends that need cardamom added.
Tips for Getting the Best Cardamom Flavor
- Combining cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger to better mimic cardamom’s layered notes.
- When substituting with cloves or Sichuan pepper, use a delicate hand to avoid overpowering other ingredients. Start with half the measured amount.
- Toast spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cumin briefly in hot oil to intensify their flavors.
- With garam masala, use spices like cumin or bay leaves to enhance flavor.
- In sweet baked goods, complement warming spices like cinnamon with lemon zest.
- For savory recipes, combine coriander with cumin or fennel to achieve more cardamom complexity.
- In all cases, add spices conservatively and adjust to taste. You can always add more.
What is the flavor of cardamom?
Cardamom has a complex flavor with notes of lemon, mint, and pine. It has a slight spicy warmth with a sweet, aromatic quality.
What spice is closest to cardamom?
For the closest flavor match, use ground ginger or cinnamon combined with a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves. Allspice and garam masala also work well.
Can I replace cinnamon with cardamom?
You can use cardamom as a substitute for cinnamon in some dishes that benefit from its bright citrus notes, like certain curries or stews. But cinnamon cannot perfectly replace cardamom in most recipes.
Is cardamom the same as coriander?
No, coriander comes from the seeds of the coriander plant. While ground coriander can substitute for cardamom in some savory dishes, the flavors differ. Coriander is more lemony and floral.
Can I substitute allspice for cardamom?
Yes, the sweet-spicy flavor of allspice makes it one of the best cardamom substitutes. Use a 1:1 ratio, but spice cautiously since allspice has a strong flavor.
What does cardamom taste like in baked goods?
In baked goods, cardamom has a sweet, aromatic taste. Allspice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, are tasty substitutes for cookie, cake, and bread recipes.
Is ground cardamom the same as powdered cardamom?
Yes, ground cardamom and powdered cardamom are the same thing. The spice can be bought already finely ground, or you can grind whole pods yourself. Both work equally well in recipes.
How much ground cardamom equals 10 pods?
On average, 10 green cardamom pods are equivalent to around ¾ teaspoon (2-3 grams) of ground cardamom powder. However, pod size can vary, so you may need more or less when substituting.
Ritchie
I think I'm missing something. Why use a cardamom substitute? Why not just use cardamom?
Michelle
Hi Ritchie,
Haha fair point, although sometimes in some parts of the world, it's actually hard to come by cardamom, i.e. parts of Eastern Europe. So, this is basically a guide, just in case 🙂
But I agree, I love cardamom. Such a lovely aromatic herb 🙂
Best,
Michelle