Spices and pantry
Cardamom pods: how to buy, open and use them
A cardamom pod holds fragrant black seeds. Learn how to buy fresh pods, open them, how many pods equal ground cardamom, and how to use them in cooking.
Spices and pantry
Plain-English guides to the spices, seeds, pastes, ghee and paneer on an Indian grocery shelf, with how to choose, use and store them.
All guides in Spices and pantry
Spices and pantry
Cardamom: green, black and ground explained
Cardamom is an aromatic spice from seed pods. Learn how green and black cardamom differ, how they taste, how to use them in sweet and savoury food and store them.
Spices and pantry
Alternative to garam masala: what to use instead
Out of garam masala? Use a mix of cumin, coriander, cinnamon and pepper. See exact amounts, other swaps and the dishes where a substitute falls short.
Spices and pantry
Garam masala: what is in it and how to use it
Garam masala is a North Indian ground spice blend. See what goes in it, how it differs from curry powder, when to add it and how to store it.