When Cardamom was first discovered, it was hailed as a miracle spice. Naturally, everyone wanted to get their hands on it because of its unique flavor and aroma. But as with all things popular, Cardamom quickly became expensive and difficult to find.
There are two types of Cardamom – green and black. Green Cardamom is the more popular of the two and is used in sweet dishes, while black Cardamom is used in savory dishes.
So, what do you do when a recipe calls for Cardamom, but you can’t find it or afford it? Here are 10 substitutes that will give your dish a great taste, and they’re easy to find.
Substitutes for Caradamom:
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Apple pie spice
- Cloves
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin
- Galangal
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a great alternative to Cardamom. You can use it in any recipe that calls for Cardamom, and it works just as well.
Nutmeg has a similar flavor profile to Cardamom, but it is slightly sweeter and more pungent. It also has a warm, spicy aroma that works well in savory dishes.
When substituting nutmeg for Cardamom, use a 1-to-1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Cardamom, you should use 1 teaspoon of nutmeg. Nutmeg is a great way to add flavor to soups, stews, curries, baked goods, and so much more.
So next time you’re out of Cardamom, don’t worry – nutmeg is a great substitute.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another great alternative to Cardamom. It has a similar flavor profile, but it is sweeter and less pungent than Cardamom.
When substituting cinnamon for Cardamom, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe.
Cinnamon is a great way to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. So next time you’re out of Cardamom, reach for the cinnamon.
It is important to note that too much cinnamon can make a dish taste bitter, so be sure to use it sparingly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg
If you want to get the best of both worlds, then use cinnamon and nutmeg. The combination is a great alternative for Cardamom. You can use it in any recipe that calls for Cardamom, and it works just as well.
When substituting cinnamon and nutmeg for Cardamom, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe.
This combination is a great way to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. Cinnamon adds sweetness, while nutmeg adds a warm, spicy flavor.
So next time you’re out of Cardamom, reach for the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Allspice
Allspice is another great alternative to Cardamom. It has a similar flavor profile, but it is sweeter and less intense than Cardamom.
Allspice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. When substituting allspice for Cardamom, use a little less allspice than the recipe calls for cardamon because allspice is more potent than Cardamom.
Allspice is a great way to add flavor to baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. It is also more readily available than Cardamom, and it is less expensive too.
Ginger
This is another great alternative to Cardamom, and it is a popular ingredient in most kitchens. It has a similar flavor profile to Cardamom, albeit slightly sweeter.
When substituting ginger for Cardamom, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe.
You can use ginger ground or in its whole form. If using the whole form, be sure to chop it up finely before adding it to the dish.
Ginger adds flavor to soups, stews, curries, baked goods, etc.
Apple pie spice
Apple pie spice is a great alternative to Cardamom. It works well as a 1-to-1 replacement.
It has a warm, sweet flavor that compliments the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. And You can also use it in savory dishes, such as curries or stews.
When substituting Apple pie spice for Cardamom, start with a 1-to-1 ratio and adjust to taste. Apple pie spice is a versatile spice that can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike.
With apple pie spice, you are guaranteed a delicious dish no matter what you’re making.
Cloves
Cloves are a great alternative to Cardamom. It has a similar taste and can be used in any recipe that calls for Cardamom.
To prep cloves for cooking, you need to grind them into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. You can also use whole cloves, but you will need to remove them before serving the dish.
Cloves are often used in savory dishes, such as curries or stews. But you can also use them in sweet dishes, such as desserts or baked goods.
The best way to substitute clove for Cardamom is to use a 1-to-1 ratio. Clove is a great way to add depth to your dishes, and it is less expensive than Cardamom.
Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds are a great alternative to Cardamom. It has a similar fruity flavor, which makes it a suitable replacement.
They are also more affordable than Cardamom, making them a great option for budget-minded cooks. In addition, Coriander seeds have a variety of health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants and have been shown to improve digestion.
Coriander seeds can also be used to make various dishes, including curries, bread, and desserts. So if you’re looking for a substitute for Cardamom, Coriander seeds are another great option.
Cumin
Cumin is a great alternative to Cardamom. It has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the place of any recipe that calls for Cardamom.
When substituting cumin for Cardamom, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of cumin for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe.
Additionally, because cumin is a versatile spice, you can use it in both sweet and savory dishes. However, note that using cumin can change the flavor of your dish.
Galangal
Galangal is a great alternative to Cardamom. You can use it in any recipe where Cardamom is the star ingredient. It works especially well in dishes that include ginger.
Galangal has a similar flavor to Cardamom, but it is less sweet and more pungent. When substituting galangal for Cardamom, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
This substitute is a rhizome, like ginger, and it can be found fresh or dried in most Asian markets. However, note that fresh galangal has a stronger flavor than the dried version.
So, if you are using dried galangal, you may need to use a little more than the recipe requires. Unfortunately, galangal can also be difficult to find, but ginger is a great alternative to it if you can’t find any.
FAQ
What are the health benefits of Cardamom?
Cardamom is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to improve digestion. Additionally, it can also help to relieve nausea and vomiting. Cardamom is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
What substitute has similar nutrition as Cardamom?
Cinnamon has a similar nutritional profile. Cardamom is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to improve digestion. Additionally, Cardamom is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is also a good source of antioxidants, can help improve digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg is another great substitute for Cardamom because they have similar nutritional profiles.
What are the best substitutes for Cardamom?
The best substitutes for Cardamom are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, galangal, and ginger.
What spice is closet to Cardamom?
The spice that is closest to Cardamom in terms of flavor is cinnamon and nutmeg.
What cardamom substitute is best in curry?
The best cardamom substitute in curry is cloves. Cloves have a similar taste to Cardamom and can be used in curry instead of Cardamom. However, when substituting, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of cloves for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.
Can I use a combination of substitutes?
Yes, you can use a combination of substitutes to get the flavor you desire. For example, if you want a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, try using cinnamon and nutmeg.
Can I substitute coriander for Cardamom?
Yes, coriander is a great substitute for Cardamom. It has a similar fruity flavor, which makes it a suitable replacement. When substituting, use a ratio of ½ teaspoon of coriander for every ¼ teaspoon of Cardamom called for in the recipe and adjust to taste.
Conclusion
Cardamom is a versatile spice that can be used in sweet and savory dishes. But, if you’re looking for a substitute, there are several options available. Having said that, keep in mind that some substitutes will change the flavor of your dish slightly.
So chose which one you want to try based on the flavors you like and what will pair well with the dish you are making. Experiment and have fun!