8+ Cardamom Substitutes You Probably Didn’t Know

There are a handful of spices and spice combos that can be used as a cardamom substitute. So if you ever find yourself short of cardamom pods or seeds for a recipe, there’s no need to run out and buy more. 

Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices in the world, and its flavor profile is truly in a league of its own. While you won’t be able to exactly replicate the unique cardamom flavor and aroma using a different ingredient, you can still get something quite close to it. Make the tastiest dishes from Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian cuisine with the help of the best cardamom substitutes below!

What Is Cardamom?

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), or elaichi in India, is an aromatic spice pod that is closely related to ginger and turmeric. You may either use the spindle-shaped pod as a whole or extract the tiny black cardamom seeds from inside for your dish. Powdered varieties are also available.

What Does Cardamom Taste Like?

Cardamom has a complex flavor. It’s citrusy and slightly sweet, with some hints of menthol, cloves, licorice, and fennel. For this reason, cardamom can be used for both savory and sweet dishes. It’s generally best to aim for this flavor profile when picking out substitutes for cardamom.

What Is Cardamom Used For?

Cardamom may not be popular in certain countries, but it’s a staple spice in Middle Eastern, Arabic, Swedish, and Indian cuisines. To give yourself a headstart on this spice, try cooking this tasty Indian lamb biryani. You may use cardamom for desserts and drinks as well.

Best Cardamom Substitutes You Can Try

Running out of ground cardamom powder can be a hassle, especially when you’re in the middle of following a recipe. And hurrying to the nearest Indian grocery store isn’t possible for many.

Now if you have whole cardamom pods, use your handy spice grinder to grind the seeds into a powdered form. If you don’t, then try using the substitutes below.

Combine equal parts of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg to make a fool-proof ground cardamom substitute. This spice blend can be used at a 1:1 ratio to replace cardamom in any recipe. 

It works because this mixture is warm with a nutty and earthy flavor. A noticeable sweetness is also present. Backed by floral notes, this combo can be used to substitute cardamom in everything from meaty dishes and spicy curries to desserts and baked goods.  

Ground cinnamon mixed with an equal amount of ground ginger also make for an excellent substitute for cardamom. Use this mixture to replace cardamom at a 1:1 ratio. You may also use fresh ginger instead of the ground variety, depending on the recipe you’re making. Ginger is in the same family as cardamom, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it works as a good alternative. 

The natural sweetness and pungent aroma of ginger, as well as the woody warmth of cinnamon, replicates the taste and smell of the real thing to a tee. We recommend using this spice blend to season rice, or flavor savory meat dishes.  

If you don’t have any ginger, then you can use an equal mixture of ground cinnamon and ground cloves to replace cardamom at a 1:1 ratio. Off the bat, ground cloves are already warm and aromatic like cardamom. They’re also slightly sweet, albeit a bit bitter. This spice is a good alternative on its own, but the addition of cinnamon will help capture the subtle fruitiness of the spice. This combo is best for meat and seafood dishes.   

Allspice is yet another spice that you can mix with cinnamon to copy the taste of cardamom. Just mix even amounts of the two, and you can use the mixture at a 1:1 ratio to replace the said spice. We already know that cinnamon is warm and subtly sweet like cardamom, and allspice is around the same playing field. It’s also slightly sweet and fruity, but with a licorice-like quality that makes it unique. Considering that it also has a floral aftertaste, allspice definitely ties together this cardamom substitute. 

No cinnamon? No problem. One part of cumin and ¼ part of allspice makes for a good cardamom substitute. Like the other spice blends mentioned, use the exact amount of this mixture in any recipe that calls for cardamom. This is a good option if you don’t have cinnamon in your pantry. The earthy, sweet, and fruity quality of allspice is perfectly matched by the warm and citrusy flavor of cumin. This combo works particularly well as a substitute for cardamom in garam masala, an Indian spice blend that is used in curry and a variety of other savory dishes.  

Equal parts of cumin and coriander seeds are also good to mix for an easy cardamom replacement. Use the same amount of this blend as the amount of cardamom needed for a dish. Cumin brings an earthy and citrusy taste, while coriander delivers the warmth and kick of spice. This pairing lacks the sweetness though, so it’s best to reserve it for savory dishes instead of using it for desserts that call for cardamom. We suggest cooking up curries or hearty meat dishes with this blend. 

Mix the same amount of ground nutmeg and cloves and you can use it as an alternative to cardamom at a 1:1 ratio. Nutmeg comes in with a sweet but nutty flavor, while ground cloves bring warmth and woody sweetness. Spice up your steamed rice dish using this substitute for cardamom pods. You may also use it to cook up savory vegetable or meat recipes that you love.

Combine ground ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, and allspice to create one of the best cardamom replacement blends. This mixture captures the complexity of cardamom’s flavor and aroma differently than any one or two spices combined. That’s why we love using it from time to time whenever our pantry is out of cardamom! It’s the perfect cardamom pod substitute for chai tea and so much more. 

Use a Single Spice

If options are limited, you can also use a single spice as a cardamom substitute. Here are some of the best ones to try:

Other Cardamom Varieties

• Black cardamom – Most of the time, recipes require green cardamom pods. If you don’t have some, the black variety is also good to use. Limit this substitution to savory dishes though, as black cardamom is smoky and more intense than the regular kind.
• White cardamom – For sweet desserts, swap green cardamom for the white variety. It’s just milder because it’s bleached, but the core flavors are basically the same.

Common Pantry Spices

• Cinnamon – Sweet and warm, cinnamon is the spice that’s closest to cardamom. To use it as a substitute, start with a small amount first and continue adding more until your desired taste is achieved. 
• Coriander seeds – This spice is woody and slightly spicy, but you can also toast it first before grinding to bring out its sweetness. Use it as an alternative for cardamom in any savory dish, preferably those with meat and sauce. It’s milder in flavor, so it’s best to use half a teaspoon more of this than the amount of cardamom indicated in the recipe. Continue adding more until your desired flavor is achieved. 
• Apple pie spice – This spice blend is warm, fruity, and spicy, so it ticks all of the right boxes for a cardamom alternative. After all, it is basically a combination of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cardamom. Use apple pie spice at a 1:1 ratio for desserts, or add a dash more of ginger or allspice to use it for savory dishes. 
• Allspice – For dishes that need the fruity element of cardamom, allspice is a good backup plan. It’s spicy and citrusy as well. Use as much of it as the amount of cardamom needed in the recipe. 
• Cloves – As this is quite stronger than cardamom, it’s best to start with a small number of cloves for your dish, and adjust as you go. 
• Ground ginger – While it’s best to mix ground ginger with cinnamon to replace cardamom, you can also use it as a standalone spice. As it can deliver a much spicier kick than cardamom, start with a small amount and build it up from there. 
• Nutmeg – This is also best when mixed with other spices, but you’re free to use it as an alternative on its own. Begin with less than the amount of cardamom needed in the dish, and balance it out as you go.