Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Amanda P. Brown
When you find your kitchen missing the fragrant touch of green cardamom pods, discover on a flavorful journey with these 12 fantastic Substitute for green cardamom pods. From the sweet warmth of cinnamon to the robustness of cloves, each substitute adds a distinct twist to your dishes.
This guide explores individual options like versatile ginger and earthy cumin seeds, providing a handy repertoire for diverse recipes. Additionally, discover 9 combined substitutes, blending familiar spices like cinnamon, mace, and ginger for a delightful mix of flavors.
Whether you’re baking, crafting savory delights, or brewing tea, these substitutes ensure your culinary creations stay vibrant and delicious, even without the classic green cardamom pods.
12 Excellent Substitute for Green Cardamom Pods
Table of Contents
- Cinnamon
- All Spice
- Star Anise
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Coriander
- Ginger
- Cumin Seeds
- Peppercorns
- Brown or Black Cardamom
- Mace
- Fennel Seeds
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from tree bark and has a sweet and warm taste. It’s different from green cardamom pods but works as an incredible substitute, especially in sweet and savory dishes.
Whole cinnamon sticks can replace cardamom pods, and ground cinnamon can be used for ground cardamom, with some adjustments in amount. Cinnamon is versatile and makes it an easy choice for various recipes. It will be an excellent choice for adding a distinctive twist to your food.
2. All Spice
Allspice is a spice made from dried berries. It tastes like a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can use allspice instead of green cardamom pods in some recipes.
Use ground allspice for ground cardamom and whole allspice berries for entire cardamom pods. Begin with a little, as allspice is a bit stronger cardamom substitute. It complements both sweet and savory foods.
3. Star Anise
Star anise is a spice with a star shape and a taste like licorice. It comes from dried pods. It can replace green cardamom pods in savory dishes, but be careful in sweet ones.
Use whole star anise for entire cardamom pods and a bit of ground star anise for ground cardamom. Try small amounts first to get the taste right. It is great for savory and sweet foods. Therefore, you can use it in a variety of recipes.
4. Nutmeg
The seeds of the Myristica fragrans trees are used to make nutmeg. It has a toasty, somewhat sweet flavor and is frequently used in holiday baking.
Though not like green cardamom pods, nutmeg can replace them in some recipes. Use a bit of ground nutmeg for ground cardamom. It’s delicious in both sweet and savory meals and has a pleasant aroma. Start with a small amount to find the correct amount for your recipes.
5. Cloves
Cloves are well known for their pungent, mildly spicy flavor. They can be an excellent substitute for green cardamom pods in recipes. To switch, use about a quarter to a half teaspoon of ground cloves for every ten cardamom pods. Adjust the amount gradually based on your taste, as cloves have a bold flavor.
These spice buds come from a unique tree (Syzygium aromaticum tree). They complement both desserts and savory dishes. Thus, you will get a memorable smell from your recipe.
6. Coriander
One of the common cooking items that can replace your green cardamom pods is Coriander. These seeds of the cilantro plant (Coriandrum sativum) comprise a gentle, citrusy flavor. Moreover, you will get a slightly sweet taste. It may not mimic exactly like cardamom, but it can be an excellent enhancer in a variety of recipes. You can use it for chicken curry, bread, or rice pudding instead of cardamom pods.
7. Ginger
Ginger is a versatile root that has a firm texture and a sweet, spicy taste. Its earthy, citrusy smell works well in many dishes. Grate or chop it for stir-fries, or slice it for soups.
Make a paste for curries, or use whole slices for milder flavors. If you’re out of cardamom pods, try a bit of ground ginger for warmth. Adjust the amount until it tastes right in your recipes. Ginger adds a delicious kick to your cooking adventures!
8. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds can serve as an excellent alternative to green cardamom pods in specific recipes. They comprise a warm and earthy flavor. Moreover, they offer a robust and slightly citrusy note. You can use them to complement dishes like rice, curries, and stews. This versatile spice provides a distinct profile and is a flavorful option.
9. Peppercorns
The peppercorns are the dried berries from the Piper nigrum plant that are accessible in white, black, green, and red. Black is strong, white is mild, green is aromatic, and red is slightly sweet.
These seasonings add flavor and heat to dishes, both savory and sweet. If using them instead of green cardamom pods, grind carefully, adjusting the amount to balance their spiciness.
10. Brown or Black Cardamom
Brown or Black Cardamom can fluently substitute cardamom pods. The Crush black cardamom is great for a smoky, earthy taste in savory stews. It has both warm and sweet notes. So, you can get great use of them for sweet and savory dishes.
11. Mace
Mace is a spice obtained from the nutmeg seed’s crimson outer covering (aril) (Myristica fragrans). It has a somewhat sweeter flavor than nutmeg and is commonly used in both sweet and savory foods.
It adds warmth to baked goods, soups, and stews. Mace is typically ground or used in whole form, imparting a distinctive and aromatic touch to various culinary creations.
12. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds, small oval seeds from the fennel plant, have a warm, licorice-like flavor. They add sweetness and perfume to foods when utilized in culinary and herbal teas.
Common in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines, these seeds are versatile—whether toasted, ground, or whole—bringing a fragrant touch to cooking and baking. Additionally, they’re known for their digestive benefits. You can pick them as a substitute for cardamom pods.
Read More:
9 Best Combined Cardamom Substitutes
Dive into a flavorful adventure with these 9 fantastic combined substitutes for green cardamom pods. From cinnamon to mace and ginger blends, discover creative ways to spice up your recipes.
| Combined Substitutes | Proportion for 1 Cardamom Pod |
| Cinnamon, Mace, And Ginger | 1/4 tsp each |
| Cinnamon And Anise Seeds | 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp anise |
| Cinnamon And Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp each |
| Cinnamon And Allspice | 1/4 tsp each |
| Coriander Powder And Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp each |
| Garam Masala | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground Ginger And Fennel Powder | 1/4 tsp each |
| Ground Cumin And Ground Fenugreek | 1/4 tsp each |
| Ground Cloves And Nutmeg Powder | 1/4 tsp each |
Substitute Cardamom in Recipes
For Baked Goods:
If you are short on cardamom, you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger instead for baked goods. This combination adds a cozy, sugary touch while preserving the distinctive flavor of cardamom. Thus, your pastries still sparkle.
For Savory Dishes:
Blending spices gives savory recipes a cardamom-like flavor. Try using Coriander and cumin for lemony or sweet notes and cloves and allspice for meat and rice dishes. Adapt the amounts to suit your needs.
For Tea and Drinks:
For chai or other teas and drinks, replace the cardamom with a mixture of ground ginger and cinnamon or cloves. You may use the essence of cardamom in a variety of recipes with these simple replacements.
FAQs
Is Coriander the Same as Cardamom?
No, it’s not properly the same. They are different spices. Though cardamom has a subtly floral flavor similar to coriander, it is stronger and carries hints of chai tea. To maintain a balanced flavor, when substituting, begin with a ratio of ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom for every 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
Is Ground Cardamom Green or Black?
Yes, ground cardamom comes in two types: green and black. Green cardamom is more usual and has a sweet, aromatic flavor. On the contrary, black cardamom has a smokier, earthier taste. People use both types in cooking to add distinctive flavors to dishes.
How Much Ground Cardamom Equals One Pod?
One cardamom pod is roughly equal to 1/6 teaspoon of ground cardamom. If a recipe calls for the flavor of one pod, you may use this measurement. This may be a great substitute for cardamom pods.
Final Verdict
If you don’t have green cardamom pods, try these 12 simple Substitute for green cardamom pods like cinnamon, allspice, or ginger. Moreover, the above-mentioned combined substitutes are more good ones. They offer more mimicry and strong results. Each adds a distinct flavor to your recipes, whether they are for baking, savory foods, or tea.
However, you need to try to see what works best for you. Your kitchen stays versatile, and your dishes remain delicious even without the classic green cardamom pods.
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