11 Amazing Recipes for Cardamom Lovers

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Published on May 31, 2017

You may have some cardamom pods languishing in your spice drawer, or perhaps you've never cooked with them before, but it's time to change all that. Move over turmeric, because cardamom is the new trendy spice in town. People are finally coming to realize that this versatile spice is something special. Cardamom adds an unique taste to everything from meat dishes, to cookies, desserts, and breads.

There are two main types of cardamom, black cardamom and green cardamom. The one available in most stores is green cardamom, and it's ideal for sweet and savory dishes. Black cardamom has a slightly smokier flavor and is more suited for savory dishes. Cardamom is used a lot in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It's also used in Nordic cuisine, especially for baked goods like sweet breads, and buns. If you're using cardamom, you'll get the most flavor by using the pods and grinding the seeds, rather than using ground cardamom which is not as strong in flavor. It's a flavor that you might love or hate, but for those who love it, these little spice pods are amazing.

We've selected 11 of our favorite cardamom flavored recipes. Try one, and see if this citrusy spice is for you.

Dinner

1. Cardamom Chicken with Salt and Pepper Crust

Rave Review: "Excellent. Cardamom is the secret spice that makes this a restaurant-quality dish." — CJMcgregor

2. Cardamom Maple Salmon

Rave Review: "What an amazing recipe! I made it exactly as written, except that I grilled it outdoors instead of cooking in a pan. The flavor was outstanding. The cardamom really takes this to another level, so don't leave it out! It's a pricey spice, but well worth it! I will be making this frequently, especially for guests because it will definitely impress." — LilSnoo

3. Spicy Indian Chicken Curry Yummy

Rave Review: "Really delicious ... Served with a side of rice and raita. Yummy! A new favorite." — JanS

4. Indian Style Basmati Rice

Rave Review: "Very nice! I love basmati rice and this is such a good version. The delicate flavors of the spices complement the subtle, nutty flavor of the rice so well. Smells awesome while it's cooking too!" — Terri Summer

Cookies

5. Cardamom Granola Bars

Rave Review: "Dangerous recipe —because you can't stop eating them! The cardamom is different, but certainly not too strong. Very good." — KRICKYR

6. Pecan Cardamom Bar Cookies

Rave Review: "I have made these cookies many times. They never last and I have to give out the recipe every time I take them somewhere. The men seem to particularly love this cookie and my friend said they went great with tea. They have a toffee type flavor and there is something addictive about the flavor." — Kerry M R

7. The Rebbetzin Chef's Persian Walnut Cookies

Rave Review: "They were baking in the oven when my husband came home, and he commented that they made the house smell heavenly. This will definitely be a staple for when I have guests — they're so fancy and gourmet-tasting, with so little effort on my part!" — JuneCleaver

Desserts

8. Cinnamon Yum Cake

Rave Review: "Tried this cake after seeing it in the Allrecipes magazine and it is phenomenal!!" — tkravitz

9. Mango Caradmom Bread Pudding

Rave Review: "Loved, loved, loved this recipe. Made it for friends who were duly impressed. Then, made it again substituting plums for the mango and yep, still fantastic! This recipe is a keeper. Love the cardamom spice in this. So flavorful!" — Nicole

Mango Cardamom Bread Pudding — Photo by Meatball Saves the Day.

Breads

10. Grandma Georgie's Cardamom Rolls

Rave Review: "I really like the taste of these rolls. I love the taste of the cardamon, and they are sweet enough to eat plain but you could put jam and butter on it and go to town." — pomplemousse

11. Finnish Nissua

Rave Review: "Delicious, moist, slightly sweet and with the unmistakable flavor of freshly ground cardamom. We will definitely adopt this as a favorite. Turned out perfectly on our first try." — Andrea