• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veg Buffet
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Follow Us-

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Subscribe
    • About Us
  • Follow Us-

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Substitutes

    Cardamom Substitute (Cooking and Baking)

    Published: Aug 3, 2023 by Deepti · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    1 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Looking to replace cardamom in your recipes? Whether you ran out of cardamom or want to experiment the same recipe with another flavor, this complete guide would help you find the best cardamom substitute!

    cardamom substitutes

    Cardamom is a highly aromatic spice known for its unique and complex flavor profile, combining citrusy, and herbal notes with a touch of sweetness. If you are a tea person, you would absolutely understand what it means have a tea without cardamom. I always have a ginger root in my refrigerator for those days.

    While no substitute can entirely replicate cardamom's distinctive taste, there are several spices and flavorings that can be used as alternatives. Whether you need a substitute for cooking or baking recipes, or powdered or whole cardamom swaps, this guide would help you choose the best substitute for cardamom.

    Jump to:
    • What Is Cardamom?
    • Whole Vs. Powdered Cardamom
    • Health Benefits of Cardamom
    • Best Cardamom Substitutes (General)
    • 1. Cinnamon
    • 2. Nutmeg
    • 3. Ginger
    • 4. Clove
    • 5. Pumpkin Spice
    • Best Cardamom Substitutes (Savory Dishes)
    • Best Cardamom Substitutes (Chai)
    • FAQs

    What Is Cardamom?

    Cardamom is a spice derived from the seeds of plants belonging to the genera Elettaria and Amomum, which are members of the ginger family. There are two main types of cardamom used in cooking:

    1. Green Cardamom: This is the most common and widely used type of cardamom. It has a pleasant, slightly sweet, and intensely aromatic flavor with hints of citrus and mint. Green cardamom is often found in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines and is a key ingredient in various spice blends, desserts, and beverages.
    2. Black or Brown Cardamom: This type of cardamom has a smokier and earthier flavor profile compared to green cardamom. It is commonly used in savory dishes, particularly in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, and is an essential component of many spice mixes like Garam Masala, and rice dishes like Biryani.
    3. White Cardamom: A bleached version of green cardamom, less intense in flavor, is not very commonly found everywhere. It works best for stews and savory dishes.

    Whole Vs. Powdered Cardamom

    Whole cardamom and powdered cardamom are two different forms of the same spice, and each has its unique characteristics and culinary applications.

    1. Whole Cardamom consists of small green or black pods containing tiny aromatic seeds. They are often added to dishes during cooking to infuse their flavor gradually. They are commonly used in rice dishes, curries, stews, desserts, and beverages like chai tea. Whole cardamom pods can be lightly crushed to release the seeds, which can be used whole or ground.
    2. Powdered Cardamom is made by grinding the seeds from the cardamom pods into a fine powder. It offers a more concentrated and intense flavor compared to whole cardamom pods. It is commonly used in baking, where a smooth and consistent texture is required. It's also convenient for adding flavor to desserts, smoothies, and other dishes without the need to remove the whole pods. When using powdered cardamom, it's essential to be cautious with the quantity, as it can easily overpower the dish due to its strong flavor.
    powdered cardamom

    When choosing between whole and powdered cardamom, consider the texture and presentation you desire in your recipe. Whole cardamom is great for infusing flavors slowly during cooking, and you can easily remove the pods before serving. Powdered cardamom, on the other hand, offers a more potent and even distribution of flavor, making it suitable for recipes that require a smoother consistency or for incorporating the spice without the need for removing pods later like baking desserts.

    Health Benefits of Cardamom

    Cardamom is a spice known for its unique flavor and pleasant aroma. Besides its culinary uses, it offers potential health benefits. Its compounds may aid digestion, reduce inflammation, improve oral health, and support heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.

    Best Cardamom Substitutes (General)

    1. Cinnamon


    Cinnamon has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that complements cardamom well. Use the same amount of cinnamon as the recipe calls for cardamom. It works great in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins, as well as in sweet rice dishes like rice pudding and desserts like cinnamon rolls.

    Swap ratio: 1:1 Preference to use powdered spice.

    cinnamon nutmeg as best substitute of cardamom

    2. Nutmeg

    Nutmeg has a warm and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good substitute for cardamom. Use the same amount of nutmeg as you would have used cardamom. It works well in baked goods, desserts like custards or pies, and rice dishes.

    Swap ratio: 1:1 Preference to use powdered spice.

    3. Ginger

    Ground ginger can be a suitable alternative to cardamom, especially in savory dishes. It has a peppery, spicy flavor with a hint of citrus. When using ginger as a cardamom substitute, use an equal amount. It pairs well in gravies and rice dishes.

    Swap ratio: 1:1 Preference to use powdered spice.

    dry ginger and fresh ginger as subs for cardamom

    4. Clove

    Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor, so use only half the amount compared to the cardamom called for in the recipe. It works well in baking, especially in spice cakes or cookies, and can be used sparingly in rice dishes and gravies for added warmth.

    Swap ratio: 1:2 (use half the amount of cloves as cardamom) in powdered form for baking and whole for gravy.

    5. Pumpkin Spice

    Pumpkin spice is a mix of spices like cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. You may use pumpkin spice in 1:2 ratio where 1 part is of pumpkin spice as it has intense flavor than cardamom alone.

    Best Cardamom Substitutes (Savory Dishes)

    For savory dishes, the best way is to use whole spice. Whether it is biryani, pulao, fine gravy dishes, whole cardamom can be replaced by whole cinnamon, whole cloves, bayleaf or freshly grated ginger and garlic (add more of ginger garlic if cardamom is a miss)

    For Indian gravy dishes, one may use garam masala as it already has cardamom in it.

    Best Cardamom Substitutes (Chai)

    Tea Lovers know how terrible is to have tea without cardamom. Green cardamom works best for tea or chai. You may swap it with freshly grated ginger (1 tsp) for 2 cups of tea. Some may use cinnamon or nutmeg, however, I like tea with fennel seeds, green cardamom, grated ginger or cloves. In summers, we ave tea with only cardamom as rest all are hot in nature.

    FAQs

    What can I use if I don't have cardamom?

    In general, you may use cinnamon or nutmeg when you don't have cardamom.

    What is a substitute for cardamom in India?

    A powdered combination of cinnamon, coriander seeds, cloves, ground ginger for savory dishes of India.

    What can I use instead of cardamom in biryani?

    Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, ground ginger and ground nutmeg, ground coriander and ground nutmeg or Garam masala. Make sure to add 1 whole spice each of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg in biryani too.

    Is garam masala similar to cardamom?

    No. Cardamom is one ingredient of many ingredients used in Garam Masala. Garam masala is a powdered spice of India made by dry roasting and then grinding whole spices- cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

    You May Like Recipes that Use Cardamom:

    • air fryer bananas
      Air Fryer Fried Bananas {Maple Cinnamon Caramelized}
    • grilled peaches air fryer
      Air Fryer Grilled Peaches {Vegan, Gluten Free}
    • refined sugar free healthy pumpkin muffins
      Sugar Free Pumpkin Muffins Recipe {Eggless, Healthy With Jaggery}
    • easy apple cobbler
      Easy Whole-Wheat Apple Cobbler {Eggless, Healthy}
    • healthy pumpkin pancakes without egg
      Pumpkin Pancakes Without Eggs {Easy and Healthy}
    • chocolate pudding biscuit eggless
      Chocolate Biscuit Pudding {Eggless Pudding, No Bake}

    More Substitutes

    • yogurt substitutes
      Best Yogurt Substitutes For Baking, Curry and Smoothie
    • best substitutes for heavy cream
      Best Substitutes For Heavy Cream For Cooking And Baking Recipes
    • Substitutes for cilantro
      Best Substitutes For Cilantro {Fresh and Dried}
    • substitutes for ghee
      The Best Substitutes for Ghee

    Sharing is caring!

    1 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About Deepti

    Warm Welcome to my blog!
    This blog is created by a former Assistant Professor, mother, and Netflix Binge watcher who is passionate about food! This blog is my collection of homemade healthy vegetarian (egg-free too) recipes that are tested and approved by my family before they are finally posted here. A variety of Indian and World recipes that are made in a simple way!
    I am so glad to have you as a part of my journey in this online world.
    Thanks for stopping by!

    Reader Interactions

    Share your Views Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Deepti!

    Warm Welcome to my blog!
    This blog is created by a former Assistant Professor, mother, and Netflix Binge watcher who is passionate about food! Here, I am sharing homemade healthy vegetarian (egg-free too) recipes that are tested and approved by my family before they are finally posted.

    Thanks for stopping by!

    More about me →

    Gluten-Free

    • crispy air fryer rice paper dumplings
      Crispy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings (Vegan GF Recipe)
    • Ginger Tea for acid reflux 2 methods
      Ginger Tea Recipe | How To Make Ginger Tea for Acid Reflux

    Sharing is Caring!

    • Facebook
    • Veg Buffet
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Mail

    Weight-Loss Salads

    • red onion chutney recipe indian
      Easy Indian Onion Chutney Recipe (No-Cook Dip For Poppadoms)
    • healthy beet recipes collection Indian and world recipes
      Healthy Beet Recipes- Veg/ Vegan, Easy & Creative
    • beet salad with feta
      Beet Salad With Feta Cheese and Walnuts {Easy Recipe}
    • Mashed potatoes moong lentil salad
      Mashed Potato Salad with Green Mung Beans {Vegetarian, Weight-Loss, No-Mayo}

    Appearances

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Email
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    More Info

    Privacy Policy

    About VegBuffet

    Disclaimer

    Work With VegBuffet

    Get Recipes Right in Your Inbox

    Subscribe

    Any Queries?

    Reach me at [email protected]

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020-2023 Veg Buffet