Spice Sense - Cardamom

Green Cardamom graces both sweet and savory food using its seductive exotic charm. It plays in your senses to effortlessly transport you to definitely distant lands. The enchanting aroma delightfully infuses the environment. Its fragrance used to be so treasured it was only burnt at an altar from the gods. The Greeks and Romans were lured through the scent, that they used in perfume and later like a breath freshener. Once introduced into food it became a vital spice through the sixth century. In India cardamom is often used being an aid for digestion.

Cardamom is comparatively expensive because of the harvesting process. Over many months the pods are individually picked right before they are going to mature to make sure they don't split or lose their color. Just like vanilla pods it's the drying process which develops the spices aroma.It's the oil-laden seeds from the cardamom pods which define the taste. Warm like camphor and refreshing like eucalyptus it's used in the meals of Southeast Asia, the center East, North Africa as well as Scandinavia (which imports cardamom in vast quantities).

Cardamom Quality

Look for cardamom pods with increased of a green (lime-like) color than pods which are a green brown, that is a sign of age. The pods must have a pungent aroma. When they are split open most of the volatile oils may have been lost. The seeds, once removed, will forfeit their flavor quicker. It is recommended that you simply buy the highest quality pods and take away the seeds since you need to use them. The seeds are often crushed utilizing a mortar and pestle so avoid buying ground cardamom, which might have had the husk from the pod ground along with it, if you don't can verify the standard.It needs to be observed that brown cardamom includes a completely different profile to green cardamom and also the two aren't interchangeable. Brown cardamom isn't inferior to green as numerous might assume. It ought to be used and praised for own attributes in savory foods.

Cooking with Cardamom

It is my experience that cardamom may be used in place of vanilla beans, less a substitute but to produce a dish having a completely different flavor. Rice pudding, frozen treats, coffee and tea all undertake a wonderful taste when cardamom can be used. As you utilize it to season and flavor your dishes, you'll add delicious gourmet attract many foods including fruits, rice, chicken and lamb. Should you split the pod by gently pressing it using the back of the spoon to bruise it, the spice can be simply added and also the pod readily removed right before serving a dish. This method works well for when you wish a delicate hint of flavor. Adding the seeds whole or crushed leads to a more pungent presence inside a dish.

Recipes

Cardamom is most easily accustomed to flavor drinks. Coffee and tea are a great way introducing yourself to this spice.

Iced Cardamom Coffee (serves 2)

2 cups strong brewed coffee½ cup condensed milk (regular or free of fat)10 cardamom pods, split open

Add the cardamom pods towards the coffee grinds. Brew the coffee. Allow the coffee cool just a little. In a large bowl, or jug (large enough for mixing) pour within the condensed milk. Add the coffee. Stir well and taste. Have a tall glass full of ice. Pour the cooled coffee within the ice. Serve once ice cold.This recipe is definitely adjusted to match your taste by utilizing stronger coffee or adding more condensed milk.

Cardamom French Toast (8-10 Slices)

10 large eggs½ cup heavy cream¼ cup sugar1 tsp vanilla extract5 cardamom pods, seeds removed and finely crushed OR pods bruised and split (See Note)Pinch of salt8 TBSP butter (1 Stick), melted (or vegetable oil)1 loaf of day old challah, brioche or italian bread, sliced 3/4" thickNote: The bread ought to be dry enough to soak up the egg mixture. To hurry up the drying process just lay the slices on a baking sheet and put in a 325 degree oven for Ten minutes.Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 200 F to keep French toast warm while you cook it.Whisk eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, cardamom and salt inside a large bowl.Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.Soak the slices of bread individually in the egg mixture until saturated.Drizzle some butter about the griddle, turn heat to medium, put the soaked bread about the griddle, flip over when the bottom is brown and cook sleep issues until brown.Put on an oven proof platter and keep warm within the oven until prepared to serve.Shake powdered sugar within the French toast right before serving.

Note: The crushed seeds can lead to a stronger cardamom flavor than when the pods are simply bruised and split.

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