Cardamom is an Indian spice that is used in a lot of savoury and sweet dishes due to its spicy, minty, herbal, and citrus flavour. It has a complex flavour that goes very well with meats, grains, legumes, pastries, cookies, chocolate cakes, soups, apple pies, tea, coffee, and alcohol as well. The spice is available worldwide, but it is mostly used in the Middle Eastern, Arabic, Indian, and Swedish cuisines. Cardamom is used in two forms, first as a whole cardamom pods and secondly as ground cardamom. Whole pods are normally used for basmati rice and curries, and ground cardamom is commonly used in various desserts. Generally, one teaspoon of ground cardamom equals six whole pods and you can store both of them in an airtight container like a jar and keep it away from light or heat. Thanks to its distinctive flavour and aroma, cardamom can be a bit challenging to replicate. However, if you are out of it or cannot find it in your supermarket there are other alternatives you can consider. Below are some of the best substitutes for cardamom you can use for your meals.
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Cinnamon And Cloves
Cinnamon and cloves are our first substitutes when it comes to alternatives for cardamom. This combination has an intense flavour which pairs well with the sweet and woody flavour to form an amazing cardamom substitute. Also, cinnamon and cloves are great for replacing cardamom in stews, curries, and other fish and meat dishes to name a few. You can use the combination for almost all the dishes that require cardamon. Simply use a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon for every one teaspoon of cardamom to your meals. You can adjust the taste of your meal later. You may also need to use a lower amount of cinnamon than the amount of cardamom required since cinnamon is a pretty strong spice.
Cinnamon And Nutmeg
Another good substitute for cardamon is cinnamon and nutmeg. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg makes an excellent alternative for cardamom. This second combination with cinnamon can be one of your best alternatives to cardamom too. Cinnamon adds heat to the food, and the fruit flavours of nutmeg bring a sweet, spicy, and slightly citrusy flavour of cardamom in the meal. To use cinnamon and nutmeg as a cardamom substitute, simply mix equal amounts of the spices together and use the same amount of the cinnamon/nutmeg combination as you would of cardamom, or half of the amount and adjust to taste. This cardamom substitute is best in baked goods and sweet dishes, but you can also use it in some stews and curries. You can use cinnamon and nutmeg in any meal that may require cardamon.
Cinnamon And Ginger
Also, on our list of substitutes for cardamom is cinnamon and ginger. This combination can be used in plenty of dishes to replicate the flavour and aroma of cardamom. Simply mix cinnamon and ginger together and add it to your dish. The combination is best used in savoury dishes with rice and meat. Cinnamon replicates some of cardamom’s flavour and aroma, and ginger provides the necessary sweetness. Make sure you use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger for this combination. To create the right cardamom alternative mix cinnamon and ground ginger in equal amounts. But, since both spices are very strong, you may want to use half the amount of this combination as you would of cardamom. You can add a little more if you want a stronger flavour. This combination works well in any dish that may require cardamon.
Allspice And Peppercorns
Allspice and peppercorns also make a good substitute for cardamom. You can use allspice on its own in all kinds of dishes that may require cardamom such as meat dishes, curries, and stews, or combined with ground peppercorns for a more sharp flavour. Simply mix equal amounts of both spices to make this delicious combination. Allspice has a complex flavour that is similar to cardamom, with notes of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. It is also spicy and fruity with a little citrus flavour. Even though the flavour of allspice is not the same as that of cardamom, it adds some of the cardamom flavours to your meals. Allspice plus the combination of allspice and peppercorns are strong spices, so you may need to use half the amount of each as you would of cardamom. You can use allspice for any recipe that may call for cardamom.
Ground Coriander, Nutmeg, and Peppercorns
Also on our list of substitutes for cardamom is ground coriander, nutmeg, peppercorns. This cardamom substitute is your best alternatives when it comes to savoury dishes. In fact, many people say that this combination is the best substitute to cardamom when it comes to savoury dishes. To make this delicious combination, mix equal amounts of ground coriander, nutmeg, and ground peppercorns. Use the same amount of the spice combination as you would of cardamom and add to your dish. You can use this combination in almost any meal that may call for cardamom.
Other Alternatives
Cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg
You can blend half a teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 of a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/8 of a teaspoon of ground allspice to get an alternative to green cardamom powder and apple pie spice for sprinkling over desserts. Such a combination will be a good substitute for cardamom.
Cumin
Cumin is also another common cardamom substitute in many cuisines, especially savoury dishes. You can use ground cumin to sprinkle over savoury dishes as you would do with cardamom in your meal.
Coriander Seeds
Lastly, consider coriander seeds if you need an alternative to cardamom. You may notice that the aroma is quite pungent when you use coriander seeds as an alternative but once you grind the coriander seeds, the nutty and earthy aroma will be released, because of the natural oils. Depending on your recipe and the type of cardamom that is called for, ground coriander can be an excellent replacement for cardamom.