Cardamom is an intensely aromatic spice that adds a unique flavor and fragrance to dishes, especially sweets and desserts. Known as the "Queen of Spices", cardamom has a complex flavor profile with sweet, spicy, minty and citrusy notes.
Ground cardamom or cardamom powder is a handy spice blend to have in your pantry. It can elevate both savory and sweet preparations. The best part about making cardamom powder at home is that you get pure, fresh and more flavorful powder compared to store-bought versions.
Ingredients Needed
The only ingredient required to make cardamom powder is:
- Cardamom pods - Preferably green cardamom pods which are small, light green and highly aromatic. You'll need about 1 cup tightly packed pods.
When buying cardamom pods, examine them closely and avoid ones with holes, mold or dark spots which indicate staleness. Choose unblemished, vibrant green pods for the best flavor.
Step-By-Step Method
Homemade Cardamom Powder - Recipe
Ingredients
- Cardamom pods
Instructions
Cleaning the pods
- Spread the pods in a plate and remove any discolored, moldy or damaged ones
- Give the pods a quick rinse if needed to get rid of any dirt
- This step ensures you use only fresh, quality pods for the powder.
Drying the pods
- You can dry the washed pods either on stove-top or in the oven:
- Stove-top: Heat a skillet over medium flame. Add pods and dry roast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Oven: Spread pods in baking tray and bake at 200°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Drying enhances the aroma and makes it easier to grind into a fine powder.
Cooling and grinding
- Allow the pods to cool completely before grinding
- Transfer to a small grinder jar and grind into a fine powder
- You may need to grind in batches to get a fine consistency
- Ensure to grind them completely with no visible grains
- Grinding when warm will make the powder clump up, so cooling is essential.
Storing cardamom powder
- Transfer the powder into an airtight container
- Store in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight
- It stays fresh for 2-3 months at room temperature and 6 months in the refrigerator
- Proper storage is key to retain the aroma and flavor of the deli
Uses of Homemade Cardamom Powder
The sweet, citrusy powder is extremely versatile. Here are some popular ways to use homemade cardamom powder:
In Desserts and Sweets
A touch of cardamom powder enhances traditional Indian sweets and desserts like kheer, halwa, ice creams, cakes, cookies, ladoos, barfis etc. It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
In Savory dishes
It can be used to flavor meat curries, dals, rice dishes like biryani and pulao, marinades, etc. A little goes a long way in balancing flavors.
In Beverages
Add a pinch to flavor teas, coffees, milkshakes and even cocktails. It's a key ingredient in the traditional Masala chai.
In Baking
Add to biscuits, cakes, pastries, breads for a unique flavor. It pairs well with nuts, seeds and dried fruits.
With its sweet, woody, citrusy notes - cardamom powder complements both sweet and savory preparations.
Tips
Follow these tips to get the most flavorful ground cardamom:
- Choose fresh, unblemished green cardamom pods for intense flavor
- Dry roast briefly to intensify the aroma before grinding
- Grind only small batches at a time for maximum flavor
- Store the delicate powder properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot
- Use within 2-3 months for the best taste
Making cardamom powder really is as easy as it sounds. With some good quality pods, a quick roast and grind - you can treat yourself to fresh, homemade powder bursting with sweet vibrancy.
FAQs
Can you use black cardamom to make the powder?
It's best to stick to green cardamom pods to make the powder meant for desserts and sweets. The intensity and smokiness of black cardamom can overwhelm in sweet preparations.
Is there a substitution for cardamom powder?
There is no perfect substitute that can mimic the unique flavor and aroma of cardamom powder. But in a pinch, you can try a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg powders. Add a pinch of lemon zest too to approximate the citrusy note.
Why add sugar while making cardamom powder?
Some recipes call for adding a teaspoon of sugar while grinding the pods. Sugar aids in grinding the pods into a fine powder. But in most cases, it's not necessary if you roast the pods well before grinding.
Can you make a big batch of cardamom powder and store long term?
It's best to make small batches and use within 2-3 months for maximum flavor. The ground spice loses its aroma and flavor over time. But you can store in the freezer for 6 months.
Conclusion
Homemade cardamom powder is incredibly easy to make with just one ingredient - cardamom pods. With a quick roast to intensify flavors and grind to powder, you can have fresh, aromatic cardamom powder ready under 5 minutes.
Making your own powder at home ensures purity and intense cardamom flavor compared to store-bought versions. The sweet, citrusy powder can instantly elevate both desserts and curries.