When you think of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, bold flavors like cumin, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chili might come to mind. But did you know that cardamom is also used in Caribbean and Latin American dishes? 🌿✨

Although not as common as in Middle Eastern or Indian cooking, cardamom has made its way into certain sweet and savory dishes, adding a warm, citrusy, and slightly spicy depth of flavor. Let’s explore how cardamom is used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine and some delicious ways to incorporate it into your cooking! 🍛🔥

🌎 Why Cardamom Works Well in Caribbean & Latin American Cuisine

✔ Pairs beautifully with tropical flavors like coconut, mango, and citrus 🍍🥥
✔ Enhances spiced meat dishes like jerk chicken & slow-cooked stews 🍖
✔ Works well in Latin American desserts like flan & arroz con leche 🍮
✔ Complements coffee & chocolate-based drinks ☕🍫
✔ Balances out the heat in spicy dishes 🔥

🍛 How Cardamom is Used in Caribbean Dishes

1️⃣ Jerk Chicken with Cardamom & Allspice 🍗🔥

Jerk seasoning is famous for its bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, and adding cardamom gives it a slight citrusy kick!

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
✔ 2 tsp ground allspice
✔ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 1 tsp cinnamon
✔ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (minced) 🌶️
✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce
✔ 1 tbsp brown sugar
✔ 1 tsp thyme
✔ 2 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄
✔ Juice of 1 lime 🍋

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix all spices and wet ingredients into a marinade.
2️⃣ Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours.
3️⃣ Grill or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.
4️⃣ Serve with rice & plantains! 🍌🍚

💡 Tip: The combination of allspice and cardamom enhances the smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy profile of jerk seasoning!

2️⃣ Trinidadian Curry with Cardamom 🍛

Trinidadian curries are rich, aromatic, and deeply spiced, often made with a mix of cumin, turmeric, allspice, and cinnamon. Adding cardamom gives them an extra warmth and complexity.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 1 lb chicken or chickpeas (for a vegan version) 🍗
✔ 1 onion (chopped) 🧅
✔ 3 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄
✔ 1 tbsp curry powder
✔ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 1 tsp turmeric
✔ 1 tsp cumin
✔ 1 can coconut milk 🥥
✔ 2 potatoes (cubed) 🥔
✔ 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat) 🌶️

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Sauté onion, garlic, and spices in a pot.
2️⃣ Add chicken or chickpeas and stir to coat with spices.
3️⃣ Pour in coconut milk and potatoes, simmer until tender.
4️⃣ Serve with roti or rice.

💡 Tip: The coconut milk and cardamom create a creamy, aromatic curry with a slight sweetness!

🇲🇽 Cardamom in Latin American Cuisine

3️⃣ Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cardamom 🍫☕

Mexican hot chocolate is known for its rich, spiced flavor, often made with cinnamon and chili. Adding cardamom makes it even more aromatic and exotic!

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free) 🥛
✔ 2 oz dark chocolate (melted) 🍫
✔ 1 tbsp cocoa powder
✔ ½ tsp ground cinnamon
✔ ½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ Pinch of cayenne (optional) 🌶️
✔ 1 tbsp honey or sugar 🍯

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Heat milk and stir in chocolate, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and cardamom.
2️⃣ Whisk until smooth, then add honey and cayenne.
3️⃣ Pour into a mug and enjoy! ☕

💡 Tip: Serve with pan dulce (sweet bread) for a traditional experience!

4️⃣ Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding) with Cardamom 🍚🍮

This creamy, cinnamon-infused dessert is a Latin American favorite! Adding cardamom gives it an extra layer of warmth.

✨ Ingredients:

✔ 1 cup rice
✔ 2 cups milk 🥛
✔ 1 cup condensed milk
✔ 1 cinnamon stick
✔ ½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ ¼ cup raisins (optional) 🍇
✔ 1 tsp vanilla extract

🔹 Instructions:

1️⃣ Simmer rice, milk, cinnamon, and cardamom for 20 minutes.
2️⃣ Stir in condensed milk, vanilla, and raisins.
3️⃣ Cook until thickened, then let cool before serving.

💡 Tip: Sprinkle with nutmeg or toasted coconut for extra flavor!

5️⃣ Guatemalan Coffee with Cardamom ☕

Cardamom is commonly used in Guatemalan coffee, similar to Turkish coffee traditions. The spice enhances the earthy, chocolatey notes of Latin American coffee beans.

✨ How to Make It:

✔ Brew your favorite Latin American coffee. ☕
✔ Add ½ tsp ground cardamom per cup. 🌿
✔ Sweeten with honey or sugar. 🍯

💡 Tip: Try it iced for a refreshing summer drink! 🧊

🌿 More Ways to Use Cardamom in Caribbean & Latin American Dishes

✔ Sprinkle into banana bread for a Caribbean twist 🍌
✔ Add to churros or empanada filling for warmth 🍩
✔ Mix into rum-based cocktails for a spiced flavor 🍹
✔ Use in mole sauce for depth and complexity 🍗
✔ Blend into tropical fruit smoothies for a refreshing drink 🍍🥭