5 creative ways to use mace and elevate everyday cooking
What's the story
Mace, the delicate spice that envelops nutmeg seeds, is often overlooked in the culinary world. Its subtle flavor and aromatic profile can elevate a range of dishes, making it an interesting addition to your kitchen. Here are five unique dishes that highlight the versatility of mace, offering new taste experiences for adventurous eaters. From sweet to savory, these recipes showcase how mace can enhance the flavors of various ingredients.
Dish 1
Mace-infused rice pudding
Rice pudding receives a delightful twist with the addition of mace. The spice lends a warm and aromatic note to the creamy dessert, making it even more comforting. To make this dish, cook rice in milk until thickened, then add sugar and ground mace for flavor. Serve chilled or warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added warmth.
Dish 2
Spiced apple compote with mace
Apple compote gets an aromatic upgrade with mace. The spice complements the natural sweetness of apples while adding depth to the dish. Cook peeled and sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and ground mace until soft. This compote can be served as a topping on pancakes or yogurt or enjoyed on its own as a simple dessert.
Dish 3
Mace-flavored carrot soup
Carrot soup takes on an unexpected twist with the addition of mace. The spice adds a subtle complexity that pairs well with the sweetness of carrots. Sauté onions and carrots until tender, then add vegetable broth and simmer until fully cooked. Blend until smooth and season with salt, pepper, and ground mace before serving.
Dish 4
Mace-spiced oatmeal cookies
Oatmeal cookies receive an aromatic makeover with the addition of ground mace in the dough. This ingredient adds warmth without overpowering other flavors like raisins or nuts you might include in your recipe. Simply mix oats, flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, raisins/nuts (optional), then fold through some freshly grated nutmeg if desired before baking at 180 degrees Celsius until golden brown.
Dish 5
Mace-infused coconut milk curry
Coconut milk curry becomes even more exotic when infused with the delicate notes of freshly grated nutmeg from within its shell-like exterior—mace! Sauté onions, garlic, ginger paste, and add chopped vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, etc.), followed by coconut milk and curry powder blend. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg, if desired, before simmering gently over low heat until thickened to the desired consistency.