Cardamom

Cardamom

Today I am not making anything I am discovering uses for Cardamom and sharing these uses with you.

 It’s a spice that belongs to the same family as ginger and turmeric. The cardamom plant is native to India and Sri Lanka and is also cultivated in Guatemala, Mexico, Indonesia and other areas of southern Asia. 

I found this spice in with my herbs and spices today and think it’s a shame and a waste not to use spices you have paid good money for. Besides this is the world's third most expensive spice by weight, only less expensive in market place than saffron and vanilla.

I often use this spice to amp up the flavor in sugar cookies and a few Middle Eastern dishes but I know there are more ways to use this spice so come along with me on this journey of discovery let’s see if we can find some uses we have never thought of before.

Here are some suggestions I found:

1.    Next time you're making instant rice (brown or white) add :

        1/2 tsp cardamom

        ½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Add to the boiling water for a slightly sweet, nutty flavor without added calories or fat.

2.   Use in Pancakes

         ½ Tsp of cardamom,

         ½ tsp cinnamon

         1 tbsp sugar

Directions:

Mix into pancake batter before pouring on the griddle

3.   Savory cardamom peas

1 tsp. oregano

 ½ tsp cardamom

 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Cook frozen peas then toss with spices.

4.   Some other quick uses for cardamom include, a pinch of cardamom in curry, add to a seasoning rub for lamb, or a pinch of dried cardamom in a cup of coffee or tea.

I have never tried this last idea and will when I make my coffee in the morning.

What I hope this article has done is tempted you into trying something new and a little different. I believe you will enjoy this spice as much as I do.

Did I spend too much money when I bought this spice?

No again my bargain shopping paid off. I bought from an on line herb and spice vendor on EBay that I use quite often for spices and herbs I cannot afford or cannot find locally. For example I but my four types of blended pepper this way.

The other good thing about buying your spices and herbs this way is I can buy a smaller when I want to try something new and save a great deal of money this way.

 So the next time you are shopping around on EBay  why not look this spice up and order a little and give it a try.

Let me know if you like it as much as I do.

Whatever you do make sure you do it your way and enjoy!