Now, onto the grinding part - the most crucial step in unleashing the flavor of cardamom! You'll need a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to get the job done. Don't even think about using a coffee grinder, unless you want your coffee to taste like cardamom - which, let's be real, might not be the worst thing in the world!
As you start grinding, you'll notice the aroma of the cardamom pods intensifying, making your kitchen smell like an Indian spice market. Be careful not to over-grind, or you'll end up with a bitter, unpleasant flavor - yuck! You want to aim for a smooth, velvety texture that's just perfect for baking, cooking, or making a delicious chai.
How To Crush A Cardamom Pod at Nell Velez blog
But, here's the thing, grinding cardamom pods can be a bit of a workout - all that elbow grease can be exhausting! So, if you're feeling lazy, you can always use pre-ground cardamom, but where's the fun in that? The process of grinding is almost therapeutic, like a mini meditation session with the added bonus of delicious flavors.