Cloves: flavour, uses and substitutes
Very strong, warm and sweetly pungent.
Syzygium aromaticum
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Three identifying features
- Nail-shaped buds
- Dark brown stalk and rounded head
- Very intense spicy scent
Fresh or dried?
Whole dried buds suit infusions; use ground cloves in small pinches.
When should it go into the pan?
Add whole cloves early and remove before serving.
What does it go with?
Red cabbage, compote, spiced baking and braises.
Cuisines & dish ideas
Try central European red cabbage and winter spiced baking.
What can replace it?
A little allspice is softer and less pungent.
How should it be stored?
Keep sealed away from light; buy small amounts of ground cloves.
Recipes using it
The ingredient list names this herb or spice. Check the recipe for fresh or dried form and quantity.
- Classic Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
- Chili con Carne
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Meat and Rice
- Goulash Soup with Bell Peppers and Potatoes
- Oven-Roasted Chicken Legs with Vegetables
- Warm Spiced Fruit Punch for Kids (Alcohol-Free)
- Pumpkin Risotto
- Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk
- Lasagna with Ground Beef and Béchamel
- One-Pot Pasta with Feta and Tomatoes
- Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Milk
- Shakshuka
- Tomato Soup from Canned Tomatoes
Sources and notes
Sources
- Kew · Syzygium aromaticum · Accessed 2026-10-25
- BZfE · Gewürze und Kräuter sicher genießen · Accessed 2026-10-25
Image: AI-generated (OpenAI). Image note: The illustrations were created with AI. They show culinary ingredients and are not a guide to identifying wild plants.