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Global Pantry: A Short Course on Cardamom

Padma Lakshmi — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:18:02 PST

We've got a new partnership with Padma Lakshmi! The host of the Emmy-winning Top Chef, writer, and designer started Padma Lakshmi, a social networking site that celebrates our favorite topics, including food adventures, recipes, and party planning. She'll be dishing up goodies for us here on YumSugar monthly. Today, Padma shows us what the spice cardamom is useful for, and why it's so much better to grind cardamom yourself.

Cardamom comes in two main forms: pale, sage-green pods that contain eight to 10 tiny, highly perfumed seeds (which are crushed to make the spice powder), and the larger black cardamom that is used to give savory roasts and curries their heat. For baking, make sure you ask for the green kind, as it is significantly more delicate in aroma and taste; the black variety tastes of menthol and eucalyptus. Most supermarkets sell cardamom in its powder form, but it’s very easy to make your own freshly ground cardamom powder for baking and mixing into spiced teas, like masala chai. Turkish and Arabic coffee also get their aroma from cardamom; it’s a lovely spice to have on hand to dress up many a simple sweet concoction.

Just take a dozen or so green cardamom pods (they are only a 1/4-inch long) and slowly peel away the pale, dry, green shell of each to reveal the tiny black pellet seeds inside. One side of the pod will be more pointed; with your thumb and index finger, peel back a side by breaking the little pointed nub. You can even smash or crush a few at a time with the back of a large metal spoon or ladle. Make sure you have a small mortar and pestle on hand; peel the pods directly over the mortar’s basin so as to catch all the seeds. Once you’ve collected enough seeds, discard the green outer shells and pound the seeds into a fine powder with the pestle. Save in a small glass jar in your pantry; the powder will keep its fragrance for months if you seal it well.

What’s your favorite spice for baking and cooking?

Photo Source: 2bp

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Pumpkin: A Savory Flavor That Spans Seasons

Come Party With Me: Bike Ride - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:15:32 PDT

After a long bike ride, there's no reason my guests and I shouldn't indulge in a delicious dessert. However, since we are having dinner on the patio, I want to keep it light and informal. Grilled pineapple is a great Summertime dessert that comes together quickly and easily. This recipe kicks the classic variation up a notch by glazing the pineapple in a sugary molasses syrup that's infused with the exotic fragrance of cardamom. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's decadent, but not over-the-top rich. This sweet finish would be ideal at any August barbecue, so get the recipe after the break.

Spice It Up: Cardamom

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:49:29 PST

Tired of the same old flavors, then you really should try something new and spice up your life. Adding herbs and spices to food is a great low-calorie, low-sodium way to improve the taste of your meal while increasing the health benefits as well.

Lately, I have been craving cardamom. I'm not sure the cravings mean anything about my diet, but I like this spice when I am physically cold. Cardamom is part of the the ginger family, so it has a little zip and heat to it. Found predominantly in Indian cuisine and used in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Greeks and Roman appreciated this spice as well. They thought it was an aphrodisiac and put the spice in their "love" potions.

The spice is high in the phytochemical cineole, which can positively affect several bodily complaints. Cardamom is considered to have many health benefits, many relating to the digestive system, like stimulating the digestive system, reducing gas, and counteracting stomach acidity. It is said to even help with halitosis. It is considered beneficial to the urinary-tract system and is considered a kidney cleanser. Cardamom is used to improve the circulation of the lungs and to treat asthma in Ayurvedic medicine. While I am not sure it does all that, I really like the taste.

You can find the spice in chai tea and here's a great recipe for chai. It is also one of the spices used in garam masala used often in Indian cuisine. Cardamom is also popular in Scandinavia and can be found in many sweets.

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Definition: Cardamom

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:05:25 PDT

Want something delicious to eat and lovely to smell? Cardamom comes from seeds inside the husks of a flowering plant. Native to India, it has a strong scent and taste. It is used in both cooking and medicine and can be ground up and baked in a wood-burning oven, or it can be pressed to create an oil.

Cardamom also has a cooling property, similar to mint, however not quite as strong. It is one of the more expensive spices (actually, it's right behind saffron) and is in the same family as ginger. Medicinally, it is used as an antiseptic and to treat heartburn, nausea and stomach disorders. Chewing cardamom can improve bad breath, too.

In fragrances, the oil often used in small quantities (since it's aroma is so strong) and is typically blended with geranium and rose. Since it's such a powerful spice, those with sensitive skin should do a patch test before applying directly on your body.

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Going on the Lamb

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:33:31 PST

I'm not sure when it happened, but lamb has become one of my favorite meats to eat. I used to be weird about it, thinking it was far too gamy. However, I realized I was wrong. When prepared correctly, lamb can be absolutely delicious and positively tasty.

I've had this recipe for Cardamom-Scented Lamb With Mashed Sweet Potatoes in my to-make file for quite some time, and last night I finally got around to making it. It takes a little bit more time than a Fast & Easy Dinner, but if you're willing, it can definitely be accomplished on a school night. The meat is seared then finished in the oven, and the whole thing is served with a red-wine sauce. To get the recipe,

While perfect on its own, I accompanied mine with the suggested mashed sweet potatoes and some lightly sautéed bok choy.

Cardamom-Scented Lamb With Mashed Sweet Potatoes
From Bon Appétit, December 1999

1 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. tomato paste
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
2 cups dry red wine
1 cup canned beef broth
1 cup canned low-salt chicken broth

2 tbsp. shelled cardamom seeds
2 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 lb. racks of lamb, trimmed
2 tbsp. olive oil

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 tsp. coarse-grained mustard
salt and pepper for seasoning
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tomato paste, garlic, and thyme; sauté 1 minute. Add wine and boil until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Add both broths; boil until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 10 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Preheat oven to 450°F. Toast cardamom seeds in heavy small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Cool. Transfer to spice grinder; grind coarsely. [I used a mortar and pestle.]
Sprinkle lamb with cardamom, salt and pepper.
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add 1 lamb rack; sear until brown, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer lamb, meat side up, to baking sheet. Repeat with second lamb rack. [I was actually only using one lamb rack and so I seared it in my heavy oven-proof skillet, moved the lamb out, drained some of the oil - careful it's hot! - and then put the lamb back on the skillet instead of a separate baking sheet.]
Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F for medium rare, about 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut lamb between bones into chops.
While chops are roasting: Bring sauce to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add butter and mustard; whisk just until butter melts. Season with pepper.
Spoon sauce onto plates.
Top with sweet mashed potatoes and lamb and serve. [I also lightly sautéed thin strips of bok choy, and wrapped them around the plated sauce. Seen in top photo.]

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Chai Tea - Raise a Cup to Your Health

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:30:00 PST

What is not to like about tea? Tea and especially chai tea help prevent and fight many different kinds of cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

The fact is - every ingredient in chai tea is good for you, and when you put them all together they pack a powerful punch for your immune system.

Chai is a great alternative to your morning cup of coffee - a 5 ounce cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine and black tea contains half that.

In the winter, after a long day of playing out in the snow, it's nice to come home, take a hot shower and curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of chai tea. Of course you can buy chai tea packets, but nothing compares to making it yourself.

Want to see my recipe? Then

Masala Chai Tea (serves 4)

3 cups water
1/2 cups milk (good source of calcium and protein)
2 packets of black tea (full of healthy antioxidants, that may help prevent everything from heart disease to strokes to cancer)
4 whole cloves (believed to invigorate and restore energy; helps generate heat in the body; useful during the cold and flu season)
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces (is a stimulant to other herbs enabling them to work faster)
2 cardamon pods (stimulates the mind and gives clarity)
1/4 tsp dried ginger (believed to strengthen and heal the digestive and respiratory system, as well as to fight off colds and flu; removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves body aches; recent studies have shown it to be effective in preventing motion sickness)
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (warms the body)
2 Tbsp honey (for sweetness and soothing qualities - adjust amount to your liking)

In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon.
In a saucepan, add the mixture to the water, ginger, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Add the milk and honey to the pan and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat and add the black tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Mmmm. I'm going to make some right now.

Staying Vegan on the Big Day: Wedding Menu Options

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:15:45 PDT

Even though wedding meals typically include bacon-wrapped scallops, filet mignon, and wedding cake smothered in buttercream frosting, you can still enjoy a delicious vegan menu if you, your partner, or your guests follow this animal-free diet. A little creative planning is all it takes, and since many venues, caterers, and bakers are being asked more about vegan options, chances are your venders will be able to accommodate your needs. When planning your own wedding, here are some tasty ideas for your vegan meal.

Cold Hors d'Oeuvres

Crispy sweet-potato pancakes topped with apple cinnamon chutney
Mini shot glasses of roasted red pepper hummus with carrot and celery sticks
Dates filled with soy cheese and wrapped in crispy portobello strips

Warm Hors d'Oeuvres

Tomato oregano risotto cakes topped with dairy-free pesto
Roasted veggie skewers with cardamom ginger dressing for dipping
Falafel balls with tzatziki sauce

Salads

Baby spinach with golden beets, candied walnuts, and raspberry vinaigrette
Mixed greens with ripe pears, edamame, sunflower seeds, and an avocado ginger dressing
Cucumber, tomato, and basil salad with cubes of baked tofu and balsamic vinaigrette

See vegan options for the main course, dessert, and brunch course after the break!

Link Time: The World's Coolest Starbucks Stores

Camilla Salem — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:15:34 PDT

The world's coolest Starbucks stores - The Daily Meal
Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo - Delish
Maple-cardamom-glazed salmon . . . yum! - Food52
The truth about Costco's food and booze - HuffPost Food
10 gourmet kids meals from across the country - Zagat
Food pilgrimages you must make this Summer - Grub Street NY
The many ways to cook with chicken thighs - Saveur
Is Jamie Oliver the richest chef in the world? - Eater

Springtime Is Ripe For Loving Lamb!

Susannah Chen — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:33:00 PDT

Artichokes, asparagus, peas, and rhubarb aren't the only products of nature that taste best between April and June - so do certain cheeses and meats, which are at their palate-pleasing pinnacle, too. Perhaps the most notable of these is lamb, not only for its symbolism during Easter, but also because the birth of lambs coincides with the first grass growth of Spring.

Enjoy the tender meat's unusual barnyard notes with a few of our top-choice recipe ideas below - like pistachio-pesto lamb lollipops to a classic French navarin.

Moussaka	Pesto Lamb Lollipops	Moroccan Lamb Tagine
Cardamom Lamb Chops	Navarin of Lamb	Roasted Leg of Lamb

What's Your Sign, Beautiful? Taurus (April 21-May 20)

Jaime Richards — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:20:00 PDT

If you're a Taurus, you can be described as patient, decisive, and reliable. And while you're likely a lover of luxury, your practicality ensures you won't take your need for quality goods to levels of excess. When times are tough, you may be considered temperamental and resentful, but your warm-hearted nature makes up for it in the long run. Famous Taureans include: Janet Jackson, Rosario Dawson, Penelope Cruz, Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba, Tina Fey, Malin Akerman, Adele, and Cate Blanchett.

To bring out your inner Taures beauty: Think green. As an earth sign, greenish tones (your color) appeal to you, while bright, bold tones tend to take a back seat. The throat and neck are your focus body parts, so be sure to spritz on perfume and try hairstyles (such as updos) to bring attention to the area. To find out more about the Taurus-themed products above, just keep reading.