As the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, there’s nothing like a warm, comforting dish to bring people together. And what better way to do so than with the sweet, spicy flavor of allspice? This versatile spice has been used for centuries in cuisines around the world, from Jamaican jerk chicken to Moroccan lamb tagine. Whether you’re looking to add depth and warmth to your baked goods, soups, or main courses, allspice is a great place to start.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 flavorful allspice recipes that are perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings. From savory dishes like jerk chicken and slow-cooked beef stew, to sweet treats like apple pie and banana bread, we’ve got something for everyone. So grab your apron, put on your favorite blanket, and let’s get cooking!
Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Allspice Marinade
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this mouthwatering jerk chicken recipe, infused with the warm spices of allspice. This marinade-packed dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon allspice powder
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine jerk seasoning, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice powder, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Allspice-Spiced Pumpkin Soup
This comforting soup combines the flavors of pumpkin, allspice, and a hint of sweetness to create a perfect fall treat. Serve warm with crusty bread or as a starter for your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the butter, onion, and garlic until softened.
2. Add the pumpkin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Caribbean Allspice Rice and Peas
Experience the warmth of the Caribbean with this flavorful side dish, perfect for accompanying your favorite island-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon allspice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup peas (such as kidney or black-eyed)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, allspice, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Add the peas to the cooked rice and stir gently to combine.
5. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the hot oil over the rice and peas, stirring well to combine.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Allspice-Infused Apple Pie
Elevate your apple pie game with the subtle warmth of allspice, a classic spice blend that adds depth and complexity to this timeless dessert. This recipe yields a beautifully flaky crust, tender apples, and a hint of aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground allspice
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
3. Add sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Fill with apple slices and dot with heavy cream.
5. Roll out remaining dough for crust topping. Crimp edges to seal.
6. Brush egg wash over top crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Allspice
Experience the rich flavors of Morocco with this aromatic lamb tagine, infused with the warm spices of allspice and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup lamb broth or chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in the bottom of a clay tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, allspice, and lamb; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for 1 1/2 hours or until the lamb is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve over couscous.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Allspice-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Sweeten your side dish with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized sticks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground allspice
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, allspice, and honey until well combined.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Allspice Pickles
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these sweet and tangy homemade allspice pickles. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp ground allspice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup pickling spice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with fresh water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, allspice, black pepper, and pickling spice (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus 24 hours of chilling)
Allspice and Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with a rich and aromatic hot chocolate infused with the warmth of allspice and cinnamon. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cold winter morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or non-dairy)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until hot chocolate has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and pour into mugs.
5. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Allspice-Scented Banana Bread
This moist and aromatic banana bread is infused with the warm, sweet spices of the Caribbean, making it a perfect treat for any time of year. The addition of allspice adds depth and complexity to this classic banana bread recipe.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp ground allspice
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and allspice. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Middle Eastern Allspice Meatballs
Savor the warm, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with these tender and flavorful meatballs, infused with allspice and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Allspice and Ginger Molasses Cookies
Warm up with the sweet and spicy aroma of these Allspice and Ginger Molasses Cookies! These soft-baked treats combine the comforting flavors of molasses, allspice, and ginger for a delightful holiday cookie experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, allspice, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
- Add molasses and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Allspice and Ginger Molasses Cookies!
Slow-Cooked Allspice Beef Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food dish to warm up on a chilly day. The slow-cooked beef falls apart tenderly, infused with the sweet and spicy flavors of allspice.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the mixture to the slow cooker and pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using).
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the chopped carrots (if using).
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Allspice-Spiced Mulled Wine
Warm Up with Allspice-Spiced Mulled Wine
This classic winter drink is perfect for cozying up on a cold evening. Aromatic spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cloves infuse the wine with a rich, comforting flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add the sliced orange and lemon to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mulled wine cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Note: You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking, and also add other ingredients such as star anise or nutmeg to give it a unique flavor.
Allspice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this aromatic pork tenderloin recipe, where the warmth of allspice pairs perfectly with the richness of the meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) pork tenderloin
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp ground allspice
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, allspice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork tenderloin.
4. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Allspice and Clove Poached Pears
Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of allspice and cloves.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well), peeled, cored, and halved
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons allspice syrup (or 1 teaspoon ground allspice)
– 1 teaspoon whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and allspice syrup (or ground allspice). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the cored pear halves to the saucepan, making sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain the poaching liquid to remove the spices.
5. Serve the pears warm, drizzled with the spiced poaching liquid and topped with melted butter.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Allspice-Infused Chai Tea Latte
Elevate your chai tea latte game with the addition of warm allspice, complementing the rich flavors of black tea and creamy milk. This aromatic brew is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring 1 cup water to a boil.
2. Add tea leaves and allspice; steep for 3-5 minutes or according to package instructions.
3. Strain the tea into a large mug.
4. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming hot.
5. Pour the warmed milk into the tea, holding back the foam with a spoon.
6. Add honey and vanilla extract (if using); whisk until dissolved.
7. Top with the reserved foam and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Allspice and Nutmeg Sweet Potato Mash
Elevate your holiday gathering with this aromatic sweet potato mash, infused with the warm spices of allspice and nutmeg. This comforting side dish is sure to be a hit at any winter celebration.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked through
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add the butter and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream or half-and-half, beating until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Allspice-Spiced Chocolate Truffles
Experience the perfect blend of warm spices and rich chocolate with these decadent truffles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and softened butter until smooth.
3. Add the ground allspice and salt to the cream mixture; whisk until well combined.
4. Gradually pour the cream mixture into the melted chocolate, stirring until smooth.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Roll the chilled mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None required – just chill and serve!
Summary
Cozy up with these 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the warm and aromatic flavors of allspice. From savory dishes like Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Moroccan Lamb Tagine to sweet treats like Allspice-Infused Apple Pie and Allspice-Scented Banana Bread, there’s something for everyone. Add a pinch of magic to your meals with these creative recipes that highlight the unique flavor profile of allspice. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a tropical getaway, these flavorful dishes are sure to delight.
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