What Are Cardamom pods and How Can I Use Them?

If cardamom pods have turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use them with confidence and how to choose them, cook them, store them, what to substitute, and 100 recipes to try them in.

What are cardamom pods?

Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more astringent aroma, though not bitter, with a coolness similar to mint.

Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to impart the flavor. Cardamom is best stored in pod form because once the seeds are exposed or ground they quickly lose their flavor.

Cardamom pods

However, high-quality ground cardamom is often more readily (and cheaply) available and is an acceptable substitute.

For recipes requiring whole cardamom pods, a generally accepted equivalent is 10 pods equals 1½ teaspoons of ground cardamom.

In the Middle East, green cardamom powder is used as a spice for sweet dishes as well as traditional flavouring in coffee and tea. The cardamom pods are ground together with coffee beans to produce a powdered mixture of the two, which is boiled with water to make coffee.

Cardamom is also used in some extent in savoury dishes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 tbsp, ground (5g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 15Calories from Fat 3

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 0.3g 1%

Saturated Fat 0.0g 0%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 0mg 0%

Total Carbohydrate 3.4g 1%

Dietary Fiber 1g 6%

Sugars ~

Protein 0.5g

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 2% • Iron 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find cardamom pods: Cardamom pods are usually found in the spices section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Cardamom pods are a member of the Spices and Herbs US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese: 豆蔻荚
British (UK) term: Cardamom pods
en français: gousses de cardamome
en español: vainas de cardamomo

How much do cardamom pods weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 tbsp, ground	5 grams
1 tsp, ground	2 grams

Spices and Herbs

Allspice 904 Allspice berries 37 Star anise 178 Aniseed 23 Bay leaves 2049 Caraway seeds 321 Cardamom pods 100 Cardamom seeds 317 Celery seeds 283 Chervil 65

Recipes using cardamom pods

There are 100 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Adam's Chai Latte Ice Cream

My brother Adam loves this ice cream so much that I asked him for the recipe. It's a Chai Latte with chunks of gingerbread cookies hidden within.

Adam's Chai Latte Ice Cream

My brother Adam loves this ice cream so much that I asked him for the recipe. It's a Chai Latte with chunks of gingerbread cookies hidden within.

Shrimp Flavored Beef over Rice

My intention was to combine flavors of shrimp and beef inside the meat as well as inside the sauce..

South Indian Vegetable Biryani

Hi friends this is my first recipe hope you all like it.

Spicy, Tasty Chicken Tandoori

Chicken tandoori is basically a snack which can be eaten in the evening or at night. Chicken marinated in tandoori masala, grilled in the oven is a super tasty, mouthwatering dish. Try it now.

Spicy, Tasty Chicken Tandoori

Chicken tandoori is basically a snack which can be eaten in the evening or at night. Chicken marinated in tandoori masala, grilled in the oven is a super tasty, mouthwatering dish. Try it now.

Malabar Chicken Curry Recipe

Malabar chicken curry is a spicy and aromatic dish that hails from the Malabar region of India. This curry is made with a unique blend of spices that include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and fennel, which gives it a distinctive taste and aroma. The tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich and flavorful coconut milk-based gravy, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. The curry can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness, making it versatile for all tastes. Whether you're looking to explore new flavors or simply want to add a bit of spice to your meals, Malabar chicken curry is a must-try recipe for any home cook.

Beet Raita

Diced cooked beets toss with cardamom and fresh mint, then layer with honey-sweetened Greek yogurt for a vibrant Indian raita that's tangy, earthy, and subtly sweet in every spoonful.

Andy's Murgh Kurma (Chicken Curry)

Andy's murgh kurma: Indian chicken curry with a yogurt marinade, whole cardamom and cloves, and a deeply spiced tomato sauce. Serve with rice and chapati for a fragrant home-cooked dinner.

Turkish Coffee

Traditional Turkish coffee brewed in an ibrik with cardamom and sugar. Triple-foamed, unfiltered, and rich with thick crema on top. Authentic 5-minute ritual.

Kashmiri Meatballs (Kashmiri Koftas)

Kashmiri lamb koftas shaped into spiced sausages, browned in whole cardamom and cinnamon, then simmered in yogurt sauce until tender and saucy. Aromatic Indian comfort food from the Himalayan foothills.

Tandoori Spice Mix

Very popular Indian spice mix best known for use on Tandoori chicken.

Masala Coffee (Spiced Coffee)

Masala coffee, the South Indian spiced coffee with cinnamon, cardamom, sugar, and milk. Boiled, strained, and pulled between pans for a thick, frothy cup.

Chana aur Sarson ka Saag Biryani (Basmati Rice & Curry Casserole)

This Indian dish is made with several kinds of spices, mustard greens, cauliflower and chickpeas; it's baked with basmati rice, topped with golden raisins and cashews. You can serve it as a side dish or a tasty main dish.

Garam Masala Lamb Kebabs

Garam masala lamb kebabs marinated in spiced yogurt with ginger, garlic, and fresh coriander, then grilled until charred and finished with a dusting of warm, toasted garam masala. Includes a from-scratch spice blend.

Lamb Rogan Josh

Lamb rogan josh, the Kashmiri curry, with lamb marinated in spiced yogurt overnight then pressure-cooked fork-tender in a fragrant tomato, ginger, and garam masala gravy. Deeply spiced, not just hot.

Strawberry Ricotta Phyllo Purses with Chocolate Syrup

These phyllo purses look so lovely, filled with fresh strawberries and creamy ricotta cheese, drizzling some chocolate syrup and dust powdered sugar on top. These are crispy and chocolaty outside, juicy, fruity and smooth inside. And they look so pretty!

Carrot Puree Cake

Carrot puree cake bakes smooth, cooked carrot puree into an ultra-moist crumb, warmed with cardamom and cinnamon and brightened with orange. Topped with classic cream cheese frosting for a fresh twist on carrot cake.

Creamy Roasted Parsnip Soup

Wintry spices make this a rich, creamy, and flavorful holiday favorite!

Star Anise & Date Masala Spiced Chickpeas

An Indian inspired recipe is full of flavor, a great side dish with some grilled meat.

Holiday Cherry & Rum Biscotti

These biscotti is loaded with flavour, every bite yields bits of yummy goodness. Perfect for a snack with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea, and also make excellent Christmas gifts!

Biryani Rice Recipe

Fragrant Indian chicken biryani layered with saffron-streaked basmati rice, tender potatoes, and a spiced yogurt-tomato sauce with cardamom, cloves, and cumin. Served with sweetened whipped yogurt.

Mixed Vegetables Jaipur Style (Sabji Jaipuri)

This makes a delicious and colorful vegetarian entree.

South African Vegetable Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced vegetables, golden onions, and aromatic mint in this South African twist on classic biryani that feeds a crowd.

Grilled Hawaiian Fish in Basil-Coconut Curry

Grilled Hawaiian fish draped in a silky basil-coconut curry sauce with lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and homemade red curry paste. Island-meets-Thai fusion, fresh and fragrant.

North: Almond Pistachio Saffron Curry Sauce

North Indian almond pistachio saffron curry sauce with dry-roasted nuts, cardamom, mace, and heavy cream simmered into a luxurious, golden coating for grilled meats and chicken.

East: Calcutta Curried Fish with Crisp Vegetables

Kolkata-style curried salmon simmered with whole spices, yogurt, and mustard, served over crisp-tender steamed vegetables. Fragrant with cardamom, cloves, and fresh ginger.

Chicken Kurma (Sista)

Yogurt-marinated chicken simmers in a rich sauce of freshly ground spices, poppy seeds, cashews, almonds, and coconut. An authentic Indian chicken korma built from scratch.

Tofu Paneer

Indian-spiced tofu paneer simmered in a garam masala tomato sauce with green peas. Includes a recipe for homemade garam masala. Serve over brown rice with chutney for a vegan feast.

Gulab Jamuns (Easy Method)

A scrumptious dish made with bisquik, plain yogurt and cardamom pods.

Badam Diyea Mangsha (Beef in Rich Cashew Sauce)

Indian beef curry with whole aromatic spices, deeply browned onions, and a rich cashew-yogurt sauce. Badam Diyea Mangsha simmers with potatoes and finishes with garam masala.

Lassi (Yogurt Drink)

Sweet lassi with yogurt, crushed cardamom, rose water, and nutmeg. A traditional Indian yogurt drink blended smooth and served cold in minutes. Vegetarian.

Cinnamon Peach Soup

Chilled cinnamon peach soup with ripe summer peaches, warm spices, orange juice, and yogurt. A refreshing first course or light dessert that captures peach season in a bowl.

Moghlai Chicken

Moghlai chicken braised with whole cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves in a spiced yogurt sauce with toasted almonds and raisins. A rich Mughal-style curry.

Gujar Ka Pullao (Carrot Rice)

Gujar Ka Pullao (Indian carrot rice pilaf): fragrant basmati cooked with caramelized onions, grated carrots, and whole spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and cumin. A vibrant, naturally vegan side from Northern India.

Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Glazed Cornish game hens roasted with a homemade curry powder, corn syrup and mustard glaze. An Indian-leaning dinner for two with lacquered, deeply spiced skin and tender juicy meat inside.

Spiced Indian Coconut Rice Pilaf with Ghee & Cashews

Spiced Indian Coconut Rice Pilaf with Ghee and Cashews recipe

My Favorite Curried Shrimp Dish

Curried shrimp in coconut milk with a freshly toasted and ground spice blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and dried chiles. Poblano peppers and tomatoes round out this aromatic, from-scratch curry.

Chole Bill & Jim [Chick Peas]

Chole (Indian chickpea curry) with potatoes, mustard seeds, cardamom, and garam masala. A vegan, one-skillet dish with warm spices and hearty texture from canned chickpeas.

Yellow Rice

Indian yellow rice cooked with ghee, turmeric, saffron, whole spices, and green peas. Fragrant with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, topped with golden fried onions.

Classic Apricot Sweet

Classic apricot sweet simmers dried apricots with cardamom, ginger, and almonds into a fragrant, spiced compote, much like Hyderabad's qubani ka meetha. Naturally fruit-sweet, served chilled. A make-ahead Indian dessert.

Lamb with Spinach

Indian lamb saag with fresh spinach, yogurt, whole spices, and garam masala. Lamb cubes braised in a thick green spinach sauce with cardamom and cloves.

Spicy Rice

Spicy brown rice simmered with whole cardamom, cinnamon stick, turmeric, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. A fragrant, golden side dish with six simple ingredients.

Another Curry Powder

Homemade curry powder toasted and ground from whole spices for vibrant, complex flavor that blows away store-bought blends and keeps for six months.

Ras Malai

A tasty side dish made with ricotta cheese, light cream and cardamom pods.

Lamb Curry with Cardamom Cashew Rice

Lamb curry marinated overnight with garam masala, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic, then simmered in lamb stock and finished with yogurt and lemon. Served on basmati rice with toasted cashews and golden sultanas. Mild, fragrant, family-friendly.