Nutmeg, an essential part of spices, is used in cooking, baking, and other types of cooking for its sweet, warm, and slightly nutty flavor. This is an important staple in many kitchens around the world. But what do you do if you need to avoid nutmeg because you are allergic to it or for some other reasons? Well, don’t worry, as there are several nutmeg alternatives that you can use. Finding the right nutmeg substitute would be useful for your cooking.
What is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is derived from the seed of Myristica fragrans trees. Its spicy, sweet, and warm flavor makes it a popular choice for spices. It comes with a distinct peppery undertone and hints of clove that complements its richness. On top of it, the aromatic nature of this spice makes it instrumental in savory and sweet dishes. Whether you are preparing stews, some creamy sauce, eggnog, or pumpkin pie, you need to use nutmeg for the best results. Using a nutmeg substitute is another option for you.
Nutmeg Substitute: What Are Your Options
If you do not wish to use nutmeg for some reason, you have the option to substitute nutmeg for it. There are different types of nutmeg substitutes that you should know about. Here are some of the best options for you to consider.
Mace
Mace is the closest nutmeg substitute that you can consider for your cooking. This nutmeg substitute comes from the same fruit, nutmeg. The main difference is that mace is the lacy red covering of the seed, while nutmeg comes from that very seed. This is the reason mace has almost the same flavor as that of nutmeg. This substitute is more delicate and milder. All you need to do is use this alternative in equal amounts to make the best dish.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another amazing nutmeg substitute which is used by many people during cooking. The sweet and warm notes of cinnamon perfectly complements different dishes where nutmeg normally ought to be used. This substitute only lacks the pepper undertone and peppery undertones of nutmeg. While substituting, you are supposed to use equal amount of cinnamon to replace the nutmeg.
Allspice
Many people take this spice as a blend of many spices, but this nutmeg substitute is a single spice. Allspice is derived from the dried berries of Pimenta dioica plant. The flavour of this nutmeg substitute combines the notes of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Due to this reason, this is an idea nutmeg substitute to go for. You should use this spice in smaller amount as this has a very strong flavour.
Cloves
Using cloves as a nutmeg substitute is another wise choice for you to consider. Many people use this spice in their cooking. The spicy, sweet and little bitter notes creates a potent flavour. Due to having a stronger flavour than nutmeg, one needs to use it in half amount as that of nutmeg. You would benefit by using this nutmeg substitute in spiced beverages and baked goods while nutmeg is generally used.
Ginger
If you are in search of an uncommon substitute of nutmeg, then you should use ginger. It is the most ideal option for you to consider while making some savoury dishes. Its sweet and spicy flavor increases the warms of a dish. But as it lacks the peppery and nutty aspect of nutmeg, this nutmeg substitute might not be suitable for all types of dishes. This is why you are supposed to use ginger in small amount for the best results.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice consists of cloves, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. This mixture can be a direct nutmeg substitute for all the right reasons. If you are preparing a dish which needs sweet and warm flavors, you can definitely use this substitute. Using equal amount of pumpkin pie spice as you would nutmeg is recommended.
Apple Pie Spice
This is another useful nutmeg substitute that you decide to use in your cooking. Many people use this substitute as and when needed. It would be beneficial for you to find the best quality apple pie spice to use in the cooking. This is how you would be able to get the best flavor and taste in your dish by using apple pie spice.
Alternatives for Allspice – Nutmeg Substitute
Allspice is versatile, and you can use a nutmeg substitute whenever you want. This spice has a distinct flavor due to effectively combining the elements of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. But what if you are out of allspice or cannot use this spice for some reason? Well, then you have the following options to try out as an allspice substitute:
Cloves, Nutmeg and Cinnamon Blend – Nutmeg Substitute
The blend of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon is the most common allspice alternative that you can consider. All you need to do is use these three elements in equal parts to make this mixture. You will get a sweet, warm and a little spicy flavour in your prepared dish due to the use of this blend.
Cloves and Cinnamon – Nutmeg Substitute
You can create this substitute or all spice substitute when you do not have nutmeg at your hand. All you require to do is mix cloves and cinnamon in 1:2 ratio. This blend will come with a similar flavour but lack the complexity that nutmeg offers.
Ground Cloves – Nutmeg Substitute
Ground cloves is an excellent allspice substitute to consider. The pungent and strong flavour of the ground cloves can also make it a good substitute. You just need to use this spice in half amount for the best results.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a widely used spice in Indian subcontinent. This is blend of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. If you wish to make some savory dish, then use this allspice alternative to enhance the flavour and kick of the dish. The complex flavour of garam masala makes it a unique spice to use in the cooking.
Cinnamon Substitute – Nutmeg Substitute
Cinnamon is one of the most widely used spices in cooking due to its spicy flavor. But what if you do not want to use cinnamon? Well, there are various alternatives that you can choose from. Here are some of the cinnamon substitutes for you to go for:
Cassia
Cassia is a great alternative to be used for replacing cinnamon. People use this spice around the world. The unique flavour, despite being little bitter and strong, has high demand in the market. This is direct cinnamon substitute that you can use in any recipe as and when needed.
Allspice
Using allspice is a great alternative to cinnamon. Due to its stronger flavour, you are required to use it in smaller amount to get the best results.
Cardamom
The sweet and little citrusy flavour of cardamom makes it a great cinnamon substitute or nutmeg substitute. If you are making some baked goods or sweet dishes, then you should proceed to use cardamom for the best flavour. You are supposed to use cardamom in equal amount to replace cinnamon.
Cloves
This is another essential cinnamon substitute that you can also use as a nutmeg substitute. You should use this specific spice in different savoury dishes and spiced beverages in proper amount. It has a powerful flavor that you must consider while using it.
Things to Consider Before Using Nutmeg Substitute
Before using a specific substitute, you are required to use several aspects. This is how you can make the best dish using a nutmeg substitute. Here are some of the factors you must consider:
Flavor Profile – Nutmeg Substitute
When it comes to flavour profile of a nutmeg substitute, you need to consider its strength and sweetness first. In accordance with its strength and sweetness, you should use the right amount of the substitute.
Recipe Type – Nutmeg Substitute
It is also essential for you to consider the recipe type that you are making. In accordance with your recipe type, the amount and type of spice would be decided. For instance, if you are making a savory dish, ginger would be a better option than allspice or cinnamon.
Conclusion – Nutmeg Substitute
As you can see from the above discussion that there are different type of nutmeg substitute available for you to choose. Whether you use cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, ginger or any other spice depends on your personal preferences. It is also essential for you to use dietary restrictions or allergic restrictions to consider before choosing a specific spice. Doing some prior research would also be beneficial.
FAQs
What Does Nutmeg Taste Like?
Ans: Nutmeg comes with a sweet, warm and a little nutty flavour along with hints of pepper and clove.
What is a Good Substitute for Nutmeg?
Ans: There are different kinds of substitutes for nutmeg available, such as cinnamon, allspice, and mace.
What is the Best Substitute for Allspice?
Ans: A blend of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon is known to be the best all-spice substitute.
What is the Most Common Substitute for Cinnamon?
Ans: If you are looking for the best cinnamon substitute then you can decide to go for cardamom, allspice or nutmeg according to your preference.
Do You Need to Consider the Strength and Types of Spice Before Using It?
Ans: Yes, you should definitely consider the strengths and types of spices before using them in preparing dishes.
