As the evenings grow cozier, there’s nothing quite like a warm and fragrant dish to bring people together. One spice that embodies this cozy spirit is cardamom, with its unique sweet-savory aroma and flavor profile. Native to India and Southeast Asia, cardamom has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, particularly in Scandinavian and Middle Eastern cooking. In this article, we’ll explore the magic of cardamom through 18 fragrant recipes that will transport you to a warm and welcoming world. From sweet treats like cardamom-spiced chai latte and Persian cardamom saffron cake, to savory dishes such as Indian cardamom chicken curry and Scandinavian cardamom bread, we’ll delve into the rich flavors and aromas of this beloved spice.
Cardamom-spiced chai latte
Escape to the vibrant streets of India with this aromatic and comforting drink, infused with the sweet, spicy flavor of cardamom. This recipe combines rich black tea with warming spices and creamy milk to create a perfect blend for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Whipped cream and ground cardamom for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine brewed tea, ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Heat over low heat for 5 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add milk and honey (if using) to the saucepan. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cardamom, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Swedish cardamom buns
These sweet and aromatic buns are a traditional Swedish treat, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering. With the warm, comforting flavor of cardamom, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Add cardamom and mix until combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead for 5 minutes, then shape into 8-10 balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cardamom and rosewater rice pudding
This creamy rice pudding is infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom and rosewater, making it a unique and delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, cardamom, rosewater, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and creamy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cardamom powder if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Persian cardamom saffron cake
This moist and aromatic cake is infused with the warmth of cardamom and the subtle sweetness of saffron, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its unique blend of Persian spices, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and cardamom.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in saffron mixture and baking powder.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Cardamom honey glazed carrots
This recipe adds a unique twist to the classic roasted carrots by incorporating the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom and the richness of honey. The result is a sweet and savory glaze that brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, cardamom, and salt.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Spread the carrot mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced cardamom apple pie
This Scandinavian-inspired pie combines the warmth of cardamom with the sweetness of apples and a hint of spice, making it a unique and delicious dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture.
4. Dot the top of the apple mixture with butter pieces.
5. Roll out remaining pie crust to create a lattice-top crust. Place on top of apple mixture.
6. Brush egg wash over crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cardamom and pistachio baklava
This sweet and aromatic baklava combines the warmth of cardamom with the crunch of pistachios, creating a unique dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, pistachios, cardamom, and salt.
4. Layer phyllo dough with the sugar mixture, starting and ending with a layer of dough.
5. Brush top layer with melted butter.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Indian cardamom chicken curry
This recipe combines the warmth of cardamom with the richness of chicken to create a mouthwatering curry that’s perfect for any occasion. With its aromatic flavors and tender texture, this dish is sure to delight your senses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let curry simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cardamom-infused oatmeal cookies
These sweet and aromatic cookies are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. The addition of ground cardamom gives them a unique Scandinavian twist, combining the warmth of spices with the comforting goodness of oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cardamom, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Scandinavian cardamom bread
This traditional Scandinavian bread combines the warm, sweet flavor of cardamom with a tender crumb and crispy crust. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and cardamom.
2. Add the warm milk and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Beat in the egg and melted butter until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cardamom and cinnamon hot chocolate
This cardamom and cinnamon hot chocolate combines the richness of dark chocolate with the warmth of Indian spices, creating a unique and comforting drink perfect for cold winter days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1 ounce high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and smooth.
5. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cardamom-spiced lamb stew
This hearty stew combines the warm, aromatic flavors of cardamom with tender lamb and a hint of spice, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or shanks, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups lamb or beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces, then set aside.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger to the pot; cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the browned lamb, diced tomatoes, broth, and red wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cardamom pear crumble
This crumble combines the natural sweetness of pears with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. The perfect dessert for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together pears, granulated sugar, and cardamom.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar.
4. Add cold butter to the dry mixture and use your fingers or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Pour pear mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and top with crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and pears are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkish cardamom coffee
Experience the bold flavors of Turkey with this traditional cardamom coffee recipe, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon energizer. This unique blend combines the richness of coffee with the sweet, spicy flavor of cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of strong coffee and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the ground cardamom to the sugar syrup and stir well.
4. Pour the brewed coffee into a demitasse or small cup.
5. Pour the cardamom-sugar syrup slowly over the coffee, allowing it to infuse with the flavors.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Cardamom and coconut milk rice
This aromatic rice dish combines the warm, sweet flavors of cardamom with the creamy richness of coconut milk. Perfect as a side or main course for Indian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cardamom powder and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the soaked rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the cardamom-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and water, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cardamom orange shortbread cookies
Elevate your shortbread game with these aromatic and flavorful cookies that combine the warmth of cardamom with the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add cardamom and orange zest; mix until combined.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. Season with salt to taste.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Cardamom roasted sweet potatoes
Elevate your sweet potato game with this aromatic and flavorful recipe that combines the warmth of cardamom with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cardamom, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cardamom vanilla bean ice cream
This unique ice cream flavor combines the warmth of cardamom with the creaminess of vanilla beans, creating a truly exotic dessert. Perfect for adventurous eaters and coffee lovers alike.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
2. Remove from heat and stir in ground cardamom. Let steep for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard solids.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Churn mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once churned, fold in vanilla bean seeds and continue to churn until well combined.
Cooking Time: None (chilling and freezing)
Summary
Cozy up with the warm and inviting flavors of cardamom! From sweet treats like Swedish buns and Persian cake to savory dishes like Indian chicken curry and Turkish coffee, these 18 fragrant recipes showcase the versatility of this aromatic spice. Discover unique twists on classic desserts, comforting breakfasts, and hearty main courses that will fill your home with the enticing aroma of cardamom.
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