12 Easy Nutmeg Recipes to Try

Nutmeg is a warm, sweet-smelling spice that you can use in many dishes and other applications. 

In this post, we will explore some delicious nutmeg recipes. We will also talk about other interesting facts about this unique ingredient. From spice blends to savory main dishes and desserts, there’s something for everyone at home to enjoy.

What is nutmeg

Nutmeg is a versatile spice that comes from the seed of the nutmeg tree. The seed is roughly egg-shaped, about an inch long, and has a hard, brown outer shell that is removed to reveal the inner kernel. The inner kernel is then grated or ground into a spice. 

Nutmeg has a warm, sweet, and slightly pungent flavor and aroma. It is used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, as well as in beverages like eggnog and mulled wine.

Nutmeg history

Nutmeg is native to Indonesia. The spice has been traded for centuries and was particularly prized during the Middle Ages for its medicinal properties. Today, it is also grown in other tropical regions around the world. 

Watch the following videos to learn interesting facts about nutmeg.

Uses of nutmeg

Nutmeg is a versatile spice with various culinary and even medicinal uses. 

Here are some uses of nutmeg:

1. Culinary uses: Nutmeg is a popular spice ingredient in sweet and savory dishes. You can use it to flavor baked goods, such as cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as custards, puddings, and ice cream. You can also use it to flavor savory dishes like stews, soups, and sauces. It is a popular addition to spice blends like garam masala and pumpkin spice.
2. Beverages: Nutmeg is often used to flavor warm drinks, such as mulled wine and cider. You can also add them to cold beverages, such as eggnog and chai tea.
3. Medicinal uses: Nutmeg has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and joint pain. Some studies have suggested that nutmeg may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
4. Aromatherapy: Nutmeg oil, extracted from the seeds, is used in aromatherapy. It is thought to have a calming effect on the mind and body.
5. Cosmetics: Nutmeg is also used in some cosmetic products, such as soaps and lotions, due to its pleasant fragrance and alleged skin benefits.

Health benefits of nutmeg

Nutmeg has been used for centuries not just as a spice but also in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Recent research has shown that it contains compounds that may have various health benefits. Here are some potential nutmeg health benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects: Nutmeg contains compounds that were to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies. Some human studies have also suggested that nutmeg may benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Antimicrobial properties: Nutmeg oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties and may be effective against certain bacteria and fungi.
3. Helps with digestion: Nutmeg has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues. Some research suggests that it may help improve digestion by increasing digestive enzyme production.
4. Cognitive benefits: Some animal studies have suggested that nutmeg may have cognitive benefits, including improving memory and reducing cognitive decline.
5. Pain-relieving properties: Nutmeg contains compounds shown to have pain-relieving properties in animal studies. Some research suggested that it may benefit people with chronic pain conditions.

It’s important to note, though, that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of nutmeg. Consuming too much nutmeg can be toxic and cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and hallucinations. As with any herbal remedy or supplement, it’s important to consult your healthcare professional before using nutmeg for medicinal purposes.

Nutmeg recipes

Now for the fun part – nutmeg recipes. With its versatility, you can incorporate nutmeg into different food and drinks.

Spice blends with nutmeg

You can use nutmeg in a variety of spice blends to add warmth and depth of flavor. Here are three spice blend nutmeg recipes:

1. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Nutmeg is a key ingredient in this classic blend to flavor pumpkin pie and other autumnal treats. Here’s how you can make your own pumpkin pie spice blend:

• Combine the following: 3 T ground cinnamon, 2 t ground ginger, 2 t ground nutmeg, 1 ½ t ground allspice, and 1 ½ t ground cloves.  
• Keep in an airtight container for up to six months.  

2. Garam Masala 

Garam masala is a spice blend commonly used in Indian and South Asian cooking. You can use it to season main dishes, sprinkle into soup, mix into your chili recipe, and as a meat rub.  

To make your own garam masala combine the following ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to six months.

• 1 T ground cumin 
• 1 T ground coriander
• 1 T ground cardamom
• 1 T ground cinnamon
• 1 t ground cloves
• 1 t ground nutmeg

3. Apple Pie Spice

Like pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice is a blend of warm spices that flavor apple pies and other apple desserts.  

Make your own apple pie spice blend using the following ingredients:

• 4 t ground cinnamon 
• 1 t ground nutmeg
• 1 t ground allspice

You can also add 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves if you like. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.

Main dishes with nutmeg

To enjoy spice for your main dishes, try these unique nutmeg recipes:

4. Creamy Nutmeg Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Put the heavy cream and nutmeg and stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook the sauce for a few minutes until slightly thick. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Drain the pasta. Add it to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat.
5. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Baked Nutmeg Chicken 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken breasts with nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
3. Use a large skillet to melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over them.
5. Bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened (about 25-30 minutes). 
6. Serve the chicken hot, with the sauce over the top.

6. Nutmeg-Spiced Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 4 cups of beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven.
2. Add the beef stew meat and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
3. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
4. Add the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, nutmeg, and thyme, and stir to combine.
5. Pour the beef broth over the vegetables and beef, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer the stew for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
7. Season with salt and black pepper.
8. Serve the stew hot, with crusty bread on the side.

Desserts with nutmeg

If you’re looking for a delicious nutmeg-infused dessert, look no further! These nutmeg recipes are a perfect way to enjoy nutmeg’s sweet, warm flavors. Not only are they easy to cook with your children, but they are sure to be crowd-pleasers at any gathering.  

7. Nutmeg Spice Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of milk

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add your flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions. Alternate with the milk and beat until just combined.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

8. Nutmeg Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of long-grain white rice
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Cinnamon for serving

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, then simmer the rice for 20-25 minutes, or just until water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Add the milk, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the rice, and stir to combine.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes or until the pudding has thickened and the rice is very soft.
5. Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled with cinnamon.

9. Nutmeg Pear Tart 

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust
• 3 large pears, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch tart pan.
2. Arrange the pear slices at the bottom of the pie crust.
3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the pears.
4. In another bowl, whisk eggs and heavy cream together.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the pears and butter mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling has set and the crust turns golden brown.
7. Cool the tart for a few minutes before serving.

Drinks with nutmeg

Whether for special occasions or simply as comforting treats, these warm nutmeg recipes are easy to make at home.

10. Nutmeg Latte 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of strong coffee or espresso
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Brew the coffee or espresso according to your preferred method.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam.
3. Add the nutmeg and sugar to the milk, and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the milk mixture into a blender and blend until frothy.
5. Pour the frothed milk over the coffee or espresso and stir to combine.
6. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle nutmeg, if desired.

11. Nutmeg Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and cinnamon for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to steam.
2. Add the chocolate chips, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture. Combine until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some cinnamon if desired.

12. Nutmeg Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of dark rum (optional)
• Whipped cream and cinnamon for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl and whisk until light and frothy.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to steam.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and coats the spoon’s back.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in the nutmeg and rum, if using.
6. Beat the egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold the egg whites into your eggnog mixture until combined.
8. Pour the eggnog into glasses and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Conclusion

Nutmeg is a truly versatile and delicious spice you can use in various recipes. From sweet to savory dishes, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for an easy way to add some flavor to your cooking, give nutmeg recipes a try! Not only will it make your food taste great, but it also has many health benefits.