Chefs' Best Kept Secret: Homemade Cardamom Substitute

What is the Best Substitute for Cardamom?

Cardamom is one of those special ingredients that can be expensive or difficult to find in some regions. However, there are common spices that work well as substitutes for cardamom.

The best substitute for cardamom I found to be a combination of cinnamon, mace, and ginger, as these spices work together beautifully to create a similar flavor profile to cardamom.

It's important to note that this combination won't replicate the exact taste of cardamom, but it will give you a flavor that's warm, spicy, and slightly sweet, which are the three main characteristics of this spice.

1. Cinnamon, Mace, and Ginger

This spice blend produces a warm, nutty flavor, that is comparable to cardamom's depth.

The cinnamon provides a sweet, woody aroma while the mace adds a floral flavor with a negligible hint of bitterness that the ginger masks with spiciness.

To substitute one teaspoon of ground cardamom powder, mix half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon of mace powder, and a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger. This blend works well in baked goods, desserts, and savory dishes like curries or stews.

As promised above, the full detailed recipe can be found below.

2. Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a conventional spice often paired with cinnamon, especially in winter dishes served during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The combination of these two spices resembles the cardamom aroma, but nutmeg provides a more distinct, aromatic spiciness than the floral elements of cardamom.

When used in dishes such as stews or marinades, the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a warm, savory flavor that can also be great in baking.

Using an equal amount of cinnamon and nutmeg is essential to substitute a teaspoon of cardamom.

3. Cinnamon and Anise Seeds

Anise seeds are renowned for providing anise's licorice flavor, which makes it an excellent alternative if you want to omit cardamom's floral notes.

This blend creates a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, giving your dish a more robust, savory profile.

The mix of cinnamon and anise seeds works great in sweet dishes that call for cardamom, like pastries.

When using this blend, use an equal amount of cinnamon and anise seeds for every teaspoon of cardamom.

4. Cinnamon and Allspice

Cinnamon and allspice are an excellent blend if you want a substitute that replicates the fragrance of cardamom.

The abundant clove-like aroma of allspice provides a distinctive flavor that elevates dishes like pies or cakes. However, it can be added to different blends such as curries, meat dishes, and soups to create sweet-savory flavor notes with a gentle warming effect.

To replace cardamom with cinnamon and allspice, mix equal parts of cinnamon and allspice in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Ground Cinnamon and Coriander Powder

If you want a blend that is both sweet and spicy, cinnamon and coriander, make a great substitute for cardamom.

Cinnamon provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the slightly citrusy taste of coriander.

You can use equal parts cinnamon and coriander to substitute one teaspoon of cardamom.

If you don't have coriander powder ready, you can make it using coriander seeds.

In addition to baking items like cookies, cakes, and muffins, this combination tastes excellent in Middle Eastern and Indian foods like biryani and couscous.

6. Garam Masala

Garam masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, which typically includes cinnamon, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.

Given cardamom is already included in the blend, garam masala can be a perfect substitute for it. Although not the exact replacement but this spice mix works well in soups, stews, and curries.

For one teaspoon of cardamom, use one teaspoon of garam masala instead.

7. Fennel Powder and Ground Ginger

For a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor, a blend of fennel powder and ground ginger should work well.

Fennel is a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used in curry blends.

To substitute one teaspoon of cardamom, you can use equal parts fennel powder and ground ginger.

This combination works well in baked goods like muffins and bread as well as in curries, stews, and grilled meats.

8. Ground Cloves and Nutmeg Powder

Combining ground cloves with nutmeg powder is the ideal option for cardamom if you're seeking a warm, spicy alternative.

These spices provide a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with meat and vegetables. The combination works well in savory dishes, such as roasted meats, stews, and casseroles.

To substitute one teaspoon of cardamom, use half a teaspoon of ground cloves and half a teaspoon of nutmeg powder.

9. Ground Cumin and Ground Fenugreek

If you like the slightly bitter and earthy cardamom taste, a mixture of ground cumin and fenugreek can be a great substitute.

Fenugreek adds a slightly sweet and nutty taste, while cumin provides a warm and slightly spicy flavor. This combination is great in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, and it pairs well with vegetables and lentils.

Use half a teaspoon of ground cumin and half a teaspoon of ground fenugreek to replace one teaspoon of cardamom.

Wrap up: Cardamom Substitute

• Cardamom can be substituted with a variety of spices and spice blends including cinnamon and allspice, ground cinnamon, coriander powder, garam masala, fennel powder, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg powder as well as ground cumin and fenugreek.
• Each blend provides its own unique flavor profile to enhance the taste of your dish. Therefore, choose the one that best works with the dish you are preparing.
• The perfect cardamom substitute for baking is a combination of ground cinnamon, mace, and ginger.
• Cardamom and its substitutes can be used in both sweet and savory dishes to add flavor and aroma without overpowering the dish.