Premium Whole Green Cardamom Pods: Maximum Flavour & Aroma

Unlock the True Essence of the "Queen of Spices"

Discover the superior flavour and intense aroma of our Premium Whole Green Cardamom Pods. Sourced from quality harvests, these whole pods contain tiny, potent black seeds that hold the key to a complex flavour profile—simultaneously citrusy, minty, warm, and sweet. Unlike pre-ground versions, whole pods protect these precious volatile oils, releasing an unparalleled depth of flavour the moment you crack them open.

Essential for authentic Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cooking, our whole cardamom pods give you complete control to infuse, temper, or grind, ensuring the freshest and most vibrant taste in every dish.

Why Choose Our Whole Cardamom Pods?

• Maximum Freshness & Potency: The flavour-rich seeds are protected inside the pod until you're ready to use them, guaranteeing a more aromatic and potent result than pre-ground powder.

• Whole Pod Versatility: Use the whole pod to infuse rice and stews, crack it open to release the seeds for grinding, or use the seeds whole in spice blends.

• Authentic Culinary Essential: The non-negotiable, whole-spice base for authentic biryani, curries, and masala chai.

• Sweet & Savoury Applications: From rich, savoury rice dishes to Scandinavian pastries and sweet syrups.

• Long-Lasting Aroma: Stored properly, whole pods retain their signature fragrance much longer than ground cardamom.

Popular Ways to Use Cardamom Pods:

• Tempering & Infusing: Gently fry whole pods in oil to start a curry or add to rice cooking water for fragrant basmati.

• Spice Pastes & Grinding: Lightly toast and grind the seeds to create fresh, aromatic garam masala or curry powders.

• Hot Drinks: Lightly crush pods to brew the most authentic, flavourful Masala Chai.

• Poaching & Stewing: Add whole pods to poaching liquids for fruit or to stews for a warm, complex background note.

• Baking: Bruise pods and steep in cream or milk for custards and ice creams.

Store in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container to protect their delicate aroma.

This simple, elegant rice dish is the perfect way to showcase the aromatic power of whole cardamom pods. It's a versatile side that pairs with almost any curry or grilled meat.

SpicenEasy's Fragrant Cardamom Rice

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 6-8 SpicenEasy Green Cardamom Pods, lightly crushed

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice

• 2 tbsp ghee or butter

• 1 small onion, finely sliced

• 3 cups hot water or chicken/vegetable stock

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp slivered almonds or cashews, to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse & Soak Rice: Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain.

2. Temper the Spices: Heat the ghee or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the lightly crushed SpicenEasy Cardamom Pods, bay leaf, and optional cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute until incredibly fragrant.

3. Sauté Onion & Rice: Add the sliced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the drained rice and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

4. Cook the Rice: Pour in the hot water or stock and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes. Do not peek!

5. Steam and Fluff: After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam.

6. Serve: Remove the whole spices (cardamom pods, bay leaf, cinnamon) if desired. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with nuts, and serve as a perfect side to your favourite curry.

Chef's Tip: "Lightly crushing" the cardamom pods (just enough to crack them open) is the key to this recipe. It releases the seeds' aromatic oils into the ghee, creating an incredible flavour base for the rice without leaving hard, whole pods in the final dish.

The SpicenEasy Promise

We bring you the world's finest whole spices, directly to your door in New Zealand. From our aromatic cardamom pods to our detailed recipes, we're here to help you unlock deeper, more authentic flavours in your cooking.