Yes, cinnamon and ginger can be combined in cooking and baking. Both spices are commonly used in sweet and savory dishes and have distinct flavors and health benefits.
When using cinnamon and ginger together in a recipe, it’s important to consider the amount and form of each ingredient. Cinnamon has a strong and sweet taste and aroma, while ginger has a pungent and slightly spicy taste.
As we’ll see below, combining cinnamon and ginger can be done in a number of different ways to produce a tasty flavor.
Dishes That Combine Cinnamon And Ginger
- Carrot ginger soup with cinnamon: A comforting and flavorful soup made with fresh ginger, carrots, and a touch of cinnamon for added warmth.
- Cinnamon ginger apple crumble: A delicious and easy dessert made with sliced apples, a crunchy topping of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and a touch of fresh ginger.
- Moroccan chicken tagine with cinnamon and ginger: A traditional Moroccan dish featuring chicken cooked with ginger, cinnamon, and a blend of other aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
- Gingerbread pancakes with cinnamon syrup: A delicious and festive breakfast or brunch dish made with gingerbread spices, including cinnamon and ginger, and served with a sweet cinnamon syrup.
- Spiced tea with cinnamon and ginger: A warm and soothing tea made with black tea, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and other spices like cloves and cardamom.
- Sweet potato and chickpea stew with cinnamon and ginger: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew made with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a blend of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, and cumin.
Cinnamon And Ginger Comparison
| Cinnamon | Ginger | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet, warm, and spicy | Pungent and slightly sweet |
| Aroma | Strong and sweet | Strong and spicy |
| Appearance | Brownish-red | Beige or light brown |
| Plant part used | Inner bark of Cinnamomum trees | Root of Zingiber officinale plant |
| Health benefits | May help regulate blood sugar and improve brain function | May help with nausea and digestive issues, and have anti-inflammatory effects |
| Culinary uses | Often used in sweet dishes, such as baked goods, oatmeal, and hot beverages | Used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and marinades |
| Forms available | Ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and essential oil | Fresh ginger, ground ginger, and ginger paste |
While cinnamon and ginger have some similarities, such as their warming and comforting flavors and aromas, they also have distinct differences in taste, appearance, and culinary uses. Combining these spices in recipes can create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Cinnamon And Ginger Cookies Recipe
Here’s an example of an easy to make and tasty cookie recipe that combines cinnamon and ginger:
Gingerbread cookies with cinnamon frosting Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
In this recipe, the combination of cinnamon and ginger adds warmth and depth of flavor to the gingerbread cookies, while the cinnamon frosting adds a sweet and spicy touch. The two spices complement each other nicely and create a delicious and aromatic treat.