| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 28g | 17g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 3g | 4g | 0.04g |
Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that truly sings to my taste buds and culinary spirit, and the Black Cardamom and Dark Chocolate Truffles is absolutely one of those heavenly delights. Born and raised in the culinary cradle of New England, my taste palate was more inclined towards the savory and spicy flavors of the sea, especially the richness of lobster rolls and the heartiness of clam chowder. But here, in this melody of creamy dark chocolate and the fragrant black cardamom, I found a sweetness intertwined with a distinct, smoky flavor that clearly resonates with my love for robust tastes.
The Magic of Black Cardamom and Dark Chocolate Truffles
This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its bittersweet notes. The Black Cardamom and Dark Chocolate Truffles are somewhat similar to the regular chocolate-based desserts, yet it’s the invitingly rich and spicy undertone of the black cardamom that gives it a distinct identity. They’re perfect as a finale for a dinner party, paired with a light dessert wine or even your morning cup of coffee, complementing those occasions that need a touch of majesty.
Health Benefits Galore
Though I usually turn a blind eye to the health benefits when indulging in these savory morsels, it doesn’t hurt to know that these truffles are not just pleasing to the palate, but also have underlying health benefits. Dark chocolate is hailed for its antioxidant properties, potential to lower blood pressure, and its wealth of minerals. As for the black cardamom, it’s an ancient spice revered for its healing properties, known to aid digestion, act as a detoxifying agent, and even alleviate respiratory issues. It’s this sublime union of taste and health, indulgence and vitality, that makes me love the Black Cardamom and Dark Chocolate Truffles even more.
Pencil this recipe onto your to-do list, and when you finally pop one of these into your mouth, you’ll realize why it’s one of life’s sweetest pleasures, a tiny yet luxurious treat that despite the miles and the cultural variance from my hometown echoes my love for unique, forceful flavors and reinvigorates my culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 Black Cardamom Pods
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Method
Step One
Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces and set aside in a bowl.
Step Two
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, unsalted butter, and sugar. Set your stove to medium heat and stir the mixture until it reaches a light simmer.
Step Three
Crack open the black cardamom pods to expose the seeds inside. Add these seeds to the simmering cream mixture, and let it infuse for about 5 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally.
Step Four
Next, strain the cream mixture through a fine sieve to remove the cardamom seeds and any lumpy bits from the mixture. Pour the strained cream over the chopped chocolate.
Step Five
Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the hot cream to melt the dark chocolate before gently stirring until smooth. Ensure all chocolate is melted and incorporation with the cream.
Step Six
Rest the mixture for about two hours allowing it to cool and harden before scooping it into small balls (truffles) using a melon baller or a small ice cream scoop.
Step Seven
Roll each truffle in the unsweetened cocoa powder then place them on a plate. Repeat this process until all the chocolate mixture is used up.
Step Eight
Finally, let your Black Cardamom and Dark Chocolate Truffles chill in the refrigerator for another hour before serving to allow them to further harden. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
