cloves
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, particularly eugenol, and provide manganese and vitamin K. A small amount contributes negligible calories while delivering significant flavor and potential antimicrobial properties.
About
Cloves are the unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia. The buds are harvested while still immature, then dried in the sun until they turn dark brown and hardened, developing their distinctive nail-like appearance (the name derives from the French "clou," meaning nail). Cloves possess a warm, pungent aroma and a complex flavor profile combining sweetness, slight bitterness, and pronounced spiciness, with dominant notes of eugenol, an aromatic phenolic compound. The spice is available in whole bud form or ground into a fine powder, with superior quality indicated by oil content and deep coloration.
Historically, cloves were among the most valuable and sought-after spices during the colonial era, driving global trade networks and economic competition. The flavor remains relatively consistent across varieties, though geographic origin and harvest timing influence subtleties in aroma and pungency.
Culinary Uses
Cloves function as a foundational spice across numerous culinary traditions. In European and North American cuisines, whole cloves stud ham and infuse savory broths, while powdered cloves appear in baked goods, mulled wine, and pickling brines. Asian cuisines employ cloves extensively in garam masala blends (Indian), five-spice powder (Chinese), and spice pastes for curries and rice dishes. The spice complements warm desserts—particularly cakes, cookies, and spiced beverages—and works well with other warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Cloves add depth to braised meats, stews, and marinades; whole buds can be removed before serving, while ground cloves blend seamlessly into dry rubs and spice mixtures. Moderate use is essential, as the strong flavor can overpower delicate dishes.
Recipes Using cloves (325)
Raisin Bars
Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] * Yield: 16 Serv
Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso
Rice and Beans with Sauce and Tasso from the Recidemia collection
Rice and Lentils
Rice and Lentils from the Recidemia collection
Rice Dressing Piquant
Makes 12 servings
Rice Florentine
Makes 10 servings
Rice Pilaf
. Pilaf can be served as a side-dish or main dish.
Rice with Tofu and Nuts
Serves one as a main dish and 2 as a side dish
Riz et Pois
Rice and beans - A Haitian favourite
Roast Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Sauce
Serves 4. Serve with a dry red wine.
Rumkage
Danish rum cake - Makes 1 cake Rum Cake - Rumkage
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is yellow or tan, with a taste reminiscent of spice breads and spice cakes. It goes well with chicken. This recipe serves 4.
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake
Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection
Sargaborsoleves
Split Pea Soup
Sauk-Prairie Eagle Inn Easy Sour Cream Raisin Pie
Contributed by [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/World_Recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] * Makes 7 to 8 s
Saurebraten and Ginger
All time traditional family favorite.
Seven C's Chicken
Seven C's Chicken from the Recidemia collection
ShahiKorma
right|Name of the Recipe
Shish Kebabs with Cinnamon Clove Rub
Shish Kebabs with Cinnamon Clove Rub from the Recidemia collection
Soko Arazhanit
Thick, smooth, and very rich, with the cloves going well with the mushrooms. The dill and cream go together so deliciously, and the salt hits the back of your throat.
Soujookh
Armenian spiced dried sausage Makes 8 5x6 pieces
Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies
Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Sour Plum Grilled Duck
The original recipe calls for the duck to be stewed but I find that it tastes even better grilled!
Soy Bran Muffins
Soy Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Spanish Bar Cake
Spanish Bar Cake
Spanish Cake
A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.
Speculaas (spice cookies)
A famous cookie made from spices. It can be seen year-round but mainly around Christmas. Note: Some Dutch/European specialty stores may have pre-mixed speculaas spice packages.
Spice Cake
Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection
SPICE CAKE
SPICE CAKE
Spice cookies
Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Spice Cookies II
Spice Cookies II from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Chicken Pilau
Spiced Chicken Pilau from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Chicken with Spinach
Contributed by Judi M. Phelps * Yield: 4 servings
Spiced Mango Pickle
Spiced Mango Pickle from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Nuts
This is a family favorite and so easy to make. I always use pecans. For years I have filled some type of small container and given for gifts.
Spiced Pecans
I always triple the recipe, because this doesn't make enough. Cook Time: 30 min.
Spiced Rhubarb Bake
Spiced Rhubarb Bake from the Recidemia collection
Spiced rice pilaf
Spiced rice pilaf from the Recidemia collection
Spiced Tomato Dipping Sauce
This traditional Moroccan dipping sauce is a perfect accompaniment for many Moroccan dishes but is most used for an appetizer with finger foods or chicken bundles. This recipes makes 1 – 2 cups of sauce.
Spiced Winter Squash Butter
Spiced Winter Squash Butter
SpiceLinda
The aroma of pumpkin pie spice, and the delicious nutrition of warm baked yams. You won't need to add sugar, marshmallows, or any other sweetener to these yams! They go well with any main dish.
Spicey Spanish Marinated Mushrooms
Makes 6-7 servings
Spicy Ginger Tea
Spicy Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Spicy Pumpkin Pie I
Spicy Pumpkin Pie I from the Recidemia collection
Spicy Star Cookies
Spicy Star Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Sri Lankan Peegudhu
Liver curry
Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney
Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Stewed Mangos with Cloves
A simple fruit dessert might be added to the dinner or served later in the evening. You can make this with fresh or canned (yellow cling) peaches or apricots if mangos are not available. Use two 24 oz cans of peaches or apricots for eight servings.
Strawberry Beaujolais
Serving Suggestions: Spoon over: ice cream; pound or angel food cake; pancakes, waffles or French toast; fresh melon wedges; roast duck, chicken, goose or game hens.
Strong Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern United States Cuisine