What is Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)?
Cardamom is a spice popular in many different cuisines across the world, including Indian, Scandinavian and Middle Eastern. It is derived from a plant in the ginger family and is processed from the seed pods of the plant. Cardamom is warm and fragrant with a mildly sweet, eucalyptus-like flavor, and is usually used as a flavoring or aroma enhancer in spice blends and breads. It is also an important ingredient in many Indian sweet dishes, such as halwa and kheer, and is sometimes chewed as a breath freshener.
What does Cardamom taste like?
Cardamom is a unique and beloved spice that has a sweet and warm, yet fragrant and citrusy aroma. Its flavour is often described as a combination of lemon-spicy with a hint of pine and menthol. Its taste is quite pungent, with a sweet and aromatic finish. Cardamom is widely used in curries, desserts, and other dishes from around the world and adds a distinct, uplifting flavour to recipes. Its pungent aroma also makes it a great addition to teas, coffees, and cocktails.
What dishes do you find Cardamom in?
Cardamom is one of the most popular spices in India and it is widely used in many of the country’s traditional dishes. A few of the most famous dishes that use cardamom are Biryani, a classic rice and meat dish; Mughlai cuisine, a variety of dishes include chicken, meats, and vegetables; Kulfi, a dense and sweet Indian ice cream; Mango Lassi, a sweet and cool yogurt-based drink; and Chai Tea, a strong and fragrant black tea. Cardamom is also a common ingredient in paan, a type of concoction made of betel nut and leaves with areca nut, spices and sugar that is famous in South Asia. Panmasala, a milder version of the bitter paan, is flavored with cardamom and is served after dinner or as a snack.