Intensely aromatic pods with sweet, floral, and slightly camphor-like flavor. Essential in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Substitutes
Cardamom — 1/2 tsp ground cardamom per 6 pods. Ground cardamom is simply pre-ground pods, so the flavor is identical. The aroma fades faster in ground form, so add it later in cooking.
Cinnamon — 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg per 6 cardamom pods. A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg approximates cardamom's warm, sweet, slightly floral character. The result is warmer and less complex but works in most baked goods.
Allspice — 1/2 tsp allspice per 6 cardamom pods. Allspice has warm, complex notes reminiscent of cardamom combined with clove and cinnamon. It provides a similar aromatic warmth in curries and desserts.