Savor the aromatic, sweet taste of cardamom. This Eastern spice shines in a host of recipes, from globally inspired dishes to traditional holiday classics.
45 Recipes That Will Make Cardamom Your New Secret Ingredient
Updated on Dec. 15, 2023
1/45
Kulfi
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up near Little India in California, and I loved the desserts from Indian sweets shops. One of them sold kulfi, a spiced and nutty frozen custard in cone molds. Here I use a shortcut method to make kulfi quickly and without any special equipment. The whole milk can be replaced with mango pulp for mango kulfi. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida
(Check out these other Indian dessert recipes!)
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 446 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
2/45
Mughlai Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
3/45
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 lamb shank with 1 cup shallot mixture: 438 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
4/45
Swedish Almond Rusks
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Not too sweet, these nutty, crunchy cookies go well with a cup of hot coffee...and travel well in care packages, too!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 92 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 41mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/45
Mulled Wine
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 379 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/45
Cardamom Sugar Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The warm flavor of cardamom spices up these classic sugar cookies. They’re the ideal treat for your homemade goody basket. Tint the glaze to fit the season.—Darina Jurasek, Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 88 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/45
Curried Pork and Green Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When the tomatoes are green in the garden, my husband and sons are thrilled to know this dish will appear on several weekly menus. I've passed the recipe on more times than I can count.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 879mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
8/45
Crispy Norwegian Bows
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been fixing these cookies for so long, I don't recall where the recipe came from. They're a "must" at our house.—Janie Norwood, Albany, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 24 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/45
Peach Blueberry Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves a peach blueberry cobbler. This one is the perfect, scrumptious treat! If you're taking it to a party, you might want to make another one for yourself. There won't be leftovers! —Laura Jansen, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
10/45
Cider Doughnuts
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 217 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
11/45
Cornmeal Towers with Strawberries & Cream
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes with 3 tablespoons each strawberries and whipped cream: 245 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
12/45
Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights. You can use grain, squash, fruits and nuts to suit your taste—it's impossible to go wrong! —Lynn Heisel, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 389 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
13/45
Earl Grey Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Biscuit-like Earl Grey cookies are a wonderful addition to holiday cookie swaps because they are truly unique. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
14/45
Gingered Apricot-Apple Crumble
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crumble is tasty hot or cold, plain or topped with ice cream. If you're not fond of apricots, leave them out for a traditional apple crisp. —Sylvia Rice, Didsbury, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 228 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
15/45
Chocolate Lebkuchen
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. —Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 238 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
16/45
Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 parfaits plus 2-1/2 cups granola
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special.
—Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 440 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
17/45
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
18/45
Mango Lassi
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Learn how to make mango lassi, the perfect summer drink any mango lover will love. Mango lassi is a sweet and refreshing treat only needs 6 ingredients! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 226 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
19/45
Cardamom Spritz
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
As far back as I remember, I have loved cardamom. My grandmother often added the spice to her baked goods. I usually make these cookies with a spritz press—and camel disk—that I found at a thrift shop. It reminds me of a time when I rode a camel in the desert while deployed with the Navy. Of course, any design will do! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 52 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/45
Hot Buttered Cider Mix
Total Time
10 min
Servings
64 servings (2 cups buttered cider mix)
From the Recipe Creator:
Put the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup prepared cider: 136 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/45
Apple-Honey Dutch Baby
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this treat on Sunday morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm right out of the oven ... and the apple honey filling is yummy! —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
22/45
Cardamom Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fans of cheesecake will love these bite-sized desserts. Crunchy and smooth, they're perfect for the holidays—or any other time.—Judi Oudekerk, Buffalo, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 232 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
23/45
Curry Scramble
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
24/45
German Spice Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy spice cookies are great with coffee and taste even better the next day. The recipe has been a family favorite for more than 40 years.
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 190 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
25/45
Cardamom Sour Cream Waffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet with just the right amount of spice, these easy waffles make it nearly impossible to skip your morning meal. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles: 235 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
26/45
Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
27/45
The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
28/45
Apple Betty with Almond Cream
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this apple betty for friends during the peak of apple season. I plan a quick soup and bread meal so we can get right to the dessert! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1/4 cup almond cream: 468 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
29/45
Almond-Chai Granola
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 cups.
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether you snack on it by the handful or eat it with milk or yogurt, you’ll be happy that you found this granola recipe. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 272 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
30/45
Chai Cupcakes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll get a double dose of the spicy blend that's frequently used to flavor tea in these tender single-size cakes. Both the cupcake and frosting use the sweet blend of spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 377 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
31/45
Orange and Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This jewel-colored orange and beet salad is one where I just kept adding touches until I got it just the way I want it. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
32/45
Cardamom Pumpkin Pudding Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-egg cake is quick, easy and bursting with flavor. I like to serve it with ice cream or whipped cream. —J. Fleming, Almonte, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 334 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
33/45
Turkey Curry with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover turkey and a hankering for non-holiday food, I make turkey curry with carrots, cauliflower and mango chutney to spoon over rice. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup turkey mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 363 calories, 9g fat (7g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
34/45
Chai Tea Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love these cookies filled with a dreamy chai-infused ganache. They’re perfect after a meal, with a cup of tea, as a breakfast treat—or anytime at all. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 104 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/45
Red Lentil Soup Mix
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 batches (4 cups soup per batch)
From the Recipe Creator:
Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 257 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1067mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
36/45
Cinnamon Chip Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cinnamon chips, and this is an intriguing way to use them. Make sure to stock up on them during the holiday season. —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 81 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
37/45
Slow-Cooker Chai Tea
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 109 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
38/45
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, delicious ginger cookies have an old-fashioned appeal that'll take you back to Grandma's kitchen. I'm never surprised when these treats disappear quickly from my cookie jar.—Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 73 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
39/45
Pfeffernuesse Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A German holiday tradition, these fragrant pfeffernuesse cookies pack a warm rush of spices in every bite. Also called peppernuts, they go wonderfully with coffee or tea.—Joanne Nelson, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
40/45
Sunburst Spiced Tea
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our culinary experts use oranges and lemon to lend a lovely citrus flavor to ordinary black tea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 2 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
41/45
Pistachio Cardamom Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. —Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without garnishes): 375 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
42/45
Pumpkin Eggnog Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I needed to use up some eggnog, so I swapped it for milk in my sweet roll
recipe. Even people who usually don’t go for eggnog go back for seconds of these yummy frosted treats. —Rebecca Soske, Douglas, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 472 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
43/45
Citrus Gingerbread Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Orange and lemon zest give gingerbread cutouts a refreshing twist. Brushing a honey glaze over the top adds a subtle shine and an extra touch of sweetness. —Monique Hooker, DeSoto, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 66 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
44/45
Peach Cobbler Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 224 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
45/45
Chai Tea
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for cold nights, this masala chai tea recipe incorporates spices that make it so delicious, you'll want to drink it every day. —Kelly Pacowta, Danbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
