How to Use Cardamom in Traditional African Dishes

Cardamom is a beloved spice in many African cuisines, particularly in North, East, and West Africa. With its warm, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavor, cardamom enhances both savory and sweet dishes, making it a staple in African spice blends, stews, teas, and desserts.

Let’s explore how cardamom is used in traditional African cooking and how you can incorporate it into your own dishes! 🍲🍵🌿

🌍 Cardamom in African Cuisine: A Flavorful Tradition

✔ A Key Ingredient in Spice Blends – Found in Berbere, Ras el Hanout, and Xawaash
✔ Used in Rich Stews & Curries – Adds depth to meat, fish, and lentil dishes
✔ Enhances Rice & Flatbreads – Infused in pilafs, couscous, and baked goods
✔ Essential in African Tea & Coffee – Adds warmth to Ethiopian & Somali spiced tea
✔ Popular in Desserts – Found in sweet breads, pastries, and puddings

☕ 1. Ethiopian & Somali Spiced Tea (Shaah/Xaah)

Tea is an essential part of African hospitality, and in Ethiopia & Somalia, spiced tea is made with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 2 cups water
✔ 2 black tea bags
✔ 3 cardamom pods (crushed) 🌿
✔ 1 cinnamon stick
✔ 3 cloves
✔ Honey or sugar (to taste) 🍯

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Boil water with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
2️⃣ Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Strain and sweeten with honey.

💡 Tip: Add a splash of milk for a creamier version!

🍚 2. East African Pilau Rice (Spiced Cardamom Rice)

Pilau rice is a flavorful East African dish often served during celebrations. The cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves create a fragrant dish that pairs well with grilled meats and curries.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 2 cups basmati rice 🍚
✔ 2 tbsp oil or butter
✔ 1 onion (chopped) 🧅
✔ 4 cardamom pods (crushed) 🌿
✔ 1 cinnamon stick
✔ 1 tsp cumin & black pepper
✔ 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté onions in oil until golden.
2️⃣ Add cardamom, cinnamon, cumin & black pepper.
3️⃣ Stir in rice, then add broth & simmer for 20 minutes.

💡 Tip: Garnish with fried onions & raisins for an authentic touch!

🍲 3. Moroccan Tagine with Cardamom

Moroccan cuisine uses cardamom in slow-cooked stews (tagines), often paired with lamb, chicken, and dried fruits.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 500g lamb or chicken 🍖
✔ 4 cardamom pods (crushed) 🌿
✔ 1 onion (chopped) 🧅
✔ 1 cinnamon stick
✔ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
✔ 1 tsp cumin & coriander
✔ ½ cup prunes or apricots 🍑
✔ 1 cup broth

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Sear meat in a tagine or pot.
2️⃣ Sauté onions, garlic, and spices.
3️⃣ Add broth and simmer for 1 hour until tender.
4️⃣ Mix in dried fruits and cook for 10 more minutes.

💡 Serve with: Couscous or flatbread!

🥘 4. Nigerian Jollof Rice with a Twist

Jollof Rice is a West African staple, and adding cardamom gives it a unique, aromatic twist!

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 2 cups long-grain rice 🍚
✔ 1 onion (chopped) 🧅
✔ 1 red bell pepper (blended) 🌶️
✔ 2 tomatoes (blended) 🍅
✔ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 1 tsp thyme & bay leaf
✔ 2 cups chicken broth

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté onions and pepper puree with cardamom & thyme.
2️⃣ Add rice, broth & cook until fluffy and flavorful.

💡 Top with: Grilled chicken or fried plantains!

🍞 5. Kenyan Cardamom Mandazi (Sweet Fried Bread)

Mandazi is an East African fried bread, similar to donuts, flavored with cardamom & coconut milk.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 2 cups flour
✔ ½ cup sugar
✔ ½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ ½ cup coconut milk 🥥
✔ 1 tsp baking powder
✔ Oil for frying

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix dry ingredients, then add coconut milk to form a dough.
2️⃣ Roll & cut into triangle pieces.
3️⃣ Fry until golden brown.

💡 Serve with: Tea or dusted with powdered sugar!

🔥 More Ways to Use Cardamom in African Cooking

✔ Add to Berbere Spice Blend – Used in Ethiopian & Eritrean stews 🌶️
✔ Mix in Ras el Hanout – A Moroccan spice blend for tagines & meats 🥘
✔ Sprinkle in Coffee – Ethiopian & Sudanese coffee is brewed with cardamom ☕
✔ Infuse in Desserts – Works well in North African pastries & puddings 🍮