Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Toya
Allspice is a versatile spice that is used in a wide array of recipes, from hearty stews and soups to delectable cakes and cookies. It’s also used in a lot of Caribbean recipes, infusing its distinctive flavor into dishes ranging from the renowned Jamaican jerk chicken to the vibrant flavors of rum punch.
But allspice is not just limited to this cuisine. It’ also quite popular in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine as well.
What is allspice?
Allspice is a spice that comes from the dried, unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, which is native to the Greater Antilles, southern Mexico, and Central America.
The flavor of allspice is reminiscent of a combination of several different spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Its flavor is warm, aromatic, and complex, with notes of sweetness, spiciness, and a hint of pepper.
Allspice is great for fall recipe, but it may not always be available. In cases where you are out of allspice berries or ground allspice, you can always make your own homemade allspice my mixing several sweet spices together.
Tips for using allspice in your cooking
Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of this complex spice:
- Start with a Small Amount: Allspice has a strong and distinctive flavor, so it’s essential to use it sparingly, especially if you’re new to cooking with it. Begin with a small amount, such as a pinch or 1/4 teaspoon, and gradually increase to taste. You can always add more, but it’s challenging to fix an overly spiced dish.
- Use Whole or Ground Allspice: Allspice is available in both whole berry form and ground. Whole allspice berries tend to retain their flavor longer than pre-ground allspice. If possible, purchase whole berries and grind them as needed for the freshest flavor. Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for this purpose.
- Pair Allspice Thoughtfully: Allspice pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including meats (especially pork and beef), poultry, root vegetables, fruits (such as apples and citrus), and even chocolate. When using allspice, consider the overall flavor profile of your dish and choose complementary ingredients to enhance the allspice flavor.
- Toast for Enhanced Flavor: Toasting whole allspice berries or ground allspice can intensify their flavor. Simply dry-toast the berries or ground spice in a pan over low to medium heat until you can smell the aroma. This should only take a minute or two. Be careful not to burn it, as this can result in a bitter taste.
- Experiment in Different Cuisines: Allspice is used in various cuisines worldwide, from Caribbean jerk seasoning to Middle Eastern dishes and Scandinavian cuisine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with allspice in different recipes to discover how it can enhance flavors in various ways.
- You can make your own homemade allspice: You only need to mix together spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Remember that allspice can be a potent spice, so it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid overwhelming your dishes.
Recipes Using Allspice
Whether you’re using ground allspice or a homemade allspice seasoning this season, here are delicious recipes that are made using allspice that you have to try!
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken is a mouthwatering and iconic dish renowned for its bold and spicy flavors. You must try this bold, finger licking Jamaican jerk chicken recipe!
Pumpkin Pie
There is nothing quite like a classic fall dessert like pumpkin pie with a warm, fragrant filling of pumpkin puree and allspice in a flaky pie crust. You must try this easy pumpkin pie recipe.
Chicken Tagine with Allspice
You cannot go wrong with these tender pieces of chicken and vegetables that have been stewed in a rich and aromatic Moroccan sauce, featuring the warm notes of allspice.
Swedish Meatballs
You have to try these delicate meatballs bathed in a creamy allspice-infused gravy, served with your favorite starchy side dish. You can find the recipe for these Swedish meatballs here.
Allspice-Spiked Mulled Wine
This cozy drink is made with red wine, citrus, and allspice, simmered to perfection and served warm. You can find this easy mulled wine recipe here.
Caribbean Black Bean Soup
This is a hearty and spicy soup featuring black beans, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers, delivering a taste of the Caribbean in every spoonful. You can find a great recipe for Caribbean bean soup here.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Spice cranberry sauce gives a zesty twist to traditional cranberry sauce. With the warm and aromatic addition of allspice this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. You can find a great spice cranberry sauce recipe right here!
Apple Cider Donuts
You cannot go wrong with these irresistible donuts flavored with apple cider and a hint of allspice, coated in cinnamon sugar for a delightful fall treat. You can find this easy apple cider donut recipe here.
Beef Stew with Allspice
If you enjoy beef stew, then this recipe is for you! It features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with allspice and a medley of vegetables, creating a comforting and flavorful stew. You can check out this easy beef stew with allspice recipe here.
Allspice-Crusted Pork Roast
Rub a pork roast with a homemade allspice blend, combining ground allspice with other spices like cinnamon, and black pepper. Roast it to perfection for a flavorful and aromatic centerpiece for your dinner table. You can find a simple recipe here.
Gingerbread Cookies
Classic holiday cookies infused with allspice, ginger, and molasses, perfect for decorating and sharing during the festive season. You can find a simple gingerbread cookie recipe here.
Spiced Rice Pudding
You must try a creamy rice pudding infused with allspice, cinnamon, and vanilla. This is a comforting dessert with a hint of warmth that is perfect for the season. Nothing is more comforting than this sweet treat! You can find a quick spiced rice pudding recipe here.
Moroccan Lamb Kebabs
These succulent lamb skewers seasoned with allspice and other Moroccan spices, are grilled to smoky perfection!
Allspice-Glazed Carrots
Whether roasted or sautéed, glazed carrots tossed in a glaze featuring allspice, brown sugar, and butter or oil, is the perfect sweet and spiced side dish to serve during this season! You can find an easy recipe for glazed spiced carrots here.
Allspice and Orange Roast Chicken
A succulent roast chicken seasoned with allspice, orange zest, and fresh herbs, creating a delightful citrusy and spiced flavor.
Red Lentil Soup
This hearty and aromatic soup is made with red lentils and a touch of allspice for a comforting bowl of goodness. You can find an easy recipe for red lentil soup here.
Allspice Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a hint of allspice in the filling. Crown with sweet icing for a classic warming treat. You can find a quick recipe for allspice cinnamon rolls here.
Allspice-Marinated Tofu
You have to try this tofu marinated in a flavorful blend of allspice, soy sauce, and garlic, then grilled or baked to perfection for a delicious vegan option. You can find a yummy recipe for allspice marinated tofu here.
Spiced Sweet Potato Pie
A delectable pie with a spiced sweet potato filling infused with allspice and cinnamon, a favorite dessert for Thanksgiving.
Caribbean Pumpkin Soup
Creamy pumpkin soup with a Caribbean twist, featuring allspice, coconut milk, and a touch of heat from Scotch bonnet peppers. You can find a yummy recipe for Caribbean pumpkin soup here.
Jamaican Rice and Peas
A classic side dish of rice cooked with coconut milk, kidney beans, and allspice, served alongside a flavorful main dish. You can find a simple recipe for this Jamaican rice and peas here.
Allspice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
You have to try pork tenderloin coated in spices like allspice and cumin and herbs. This is a flavorful main course that is so easy to make! You can find the recipe for a flavorful pork tenderloin here.
Jamaican Oxtail Stew
A hearty and savory stew made with tender oxtails, allspice, and a rich brown gravy, a beloved Jamaican comfort food. You must try this recipe for Jamaican oxtail stew here.
Cinnamon-Allspice Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with a warm and spicy twist, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. You can find this easy cinnamon allspice pumpkin pancakes here.
Allspice-Spiced Hot Chocolate
You need a go-to rich and creamy hot chocolate with a hint of allspice for a comforting and indulgent drink this season. This Peruvian hot chocolate recipe is exactly what you need!
Spiced Apple Chutney
A flavorful condiment made with apples, vinegar, and allspice, ideal for serving with cheeses, meats, or as a sandwich spread.
Caribbean Curried Goat
A delicious Caribbean curry dish featuring tender goat meat cooked with allspice, curry spices, and coconut milk. You can find the perfect curried goat recipe here.
Allspice-Glazed Salmon
Nothing is better than succulent salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and spiced allspice marinade, baked or grilled to perfection. If you want to give it a try, then you can try this recipe here.
Allspice-Crusted Lamb Chops
Lamb chops coated in a fragrant allspice and herb crust, pan-seared to perfection for a delightful main course.
Allspice-Spiced Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil and allspice and other herbs and spice, creating a flavorful and healthy side dish. You can find a recipe for roasted vegetables here.