What is a substitute for ginger paste?

Answer 1

Common substitutions are allspice, mace, cinnamon and nutmeg. It should be noted that contrary to popular belief, allspice is not a blend of spices, but rather a single, individual spice. So, allspice is safe for those with a known allergy to a specific other spice.

The best choice will, of course, depend upon the recipe and the desired flavor. You can't match one spice's taste perfectly by using another. You won't be able to make "gingerbread" or "ginger cookies" without using ginger. You can, however, make a suitable alternative. For other recipes, the goal is to choose a spice that will add the particular type of flavor you are looking for from the desired spice. If it's a nutty flavor you want, choose nutmeg. If you are looking for a pungent flavor, choose allspice or mace. You may find a blend of the others gives more of the taste you desire.

If the recipe in questions calls for candied ginger or pickled ginger, you will obviously want to choose other substitutes.

Because this is related to an allergy, the nurse in me feels I must remind you that pumpkin pie spice may contain ginger. Some blends are cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, while others add ginger to that combination. Be sure to check labels carefully.

Answer 2

Cinnamon is used to add depth, warmth and mellow sweetness to a dish (even in hot curries) so look for other herbs and spices that have that effect. Allspice is a spice that smells and cooks a lot like cinnamon and gives a nice dessert feel to things like apple pie without the offending spice. Nutmeg is different but can do the same thing. Small amounts of ground cloves and dried ginger mixed would give the mellow, deep and sweetish burn of cinnamon in a hotter dish (for savouries). Fenugreek is a more unusual flavour that has many of the same properties although it's a lighter, brighter flavour (and reminds me of dry cake mixes for some reason).