Cinnamon might be celebrated for its sweet and aromatic qualities, which seamlessly blend into everything from frothy lattes to indulgent pastries. Its warm, comforting scent conjures images of crisp autumn air, pumpkin patches, and festive gatherings.
During the fall, cinnamon truly shines, pairing perfectly with seasonal flavors or as a singular spice in sweet applications such as cinnamon rolls. A sprinkle of cinnamon instantly transforms plain oatmeal into a fall staple.
While less frequently connected to savory foods, cinnamon possesses a depth and complexity that can transform these dishes, infusing them with the rich, earthy flavors synonymous with the fall season. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to elevate your meals, we welcome you to discover the savory side of cinnamon.
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Cinnamon grows on trees
Harvested from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, cinnamon has been cherished for thousands of years both as a flavorful spice and a medicinal remedy. Originating in Sri Lanka and the Malabar Coast of India, cinnamon traveled along ancient trade routes, becoming a highly prized commodity in various cultures. Its distinctive sweet-spicy flavor and aromatic fragrance make it a staple in kitchens worldwide.
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There are primarily two types of cinnamon available:
Ceylon cinnamon: Known for its delicate, sweet flavor and light brown color, Ceylon cinnamon is considered higher quality and is often preferred for both culinary and medicinal uses.
Cassia cinnamon: With a stronger, more pungent flavor and darker hue, cassia cinnamon is more commonly found in supermarkets and is typically used in baking and cooking.
Beyond its culinary uses, cinnamon boasts numerous health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has been linked to improved heart health and blood sugar regulation.
Historically, cinnamon was so valuable that it was reserved for special occasions and used as a form of currency. Ancient Egyptians used it in embalming processes, while in medieval Europe, it was a sought-after spice that signified wealth and status. Its association with luxury and festivity continues today, particularly during the fall and holiday seasons.
Can cinnamon be savory? Chefs weigh in
While cinnamon is predominantly featured in sweet dishes such as cinnamon rolls, apple pies, and spiced beverages, its savory applications are equally impressive. From enhancing the depth of stews and soups to adding subtle warmth to marinades and rubs, cinnamon can elevate a wide array of savory recipes.
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“Cinnamon isn’t just for sweet dishes—it can add a unique flavor to savory dishes as well,” Rena Awada, Owner & Head Chef at Healthy Fitness Meals, tells VegNews. “In fact, plenty of cultures around the world use cinnamon in their savory dishes.”
“In India, for example, it’s a common ingredient in curries and other spiced dishes,” she says.”In Mexico, it’s often used in chili powder blends to add a slightly sweet and spicy kick.”
But don’t overdo it, says chef Mimi Nguyen, a passionate culinary instructor and owner of coffee business Cafely.
“I find that cinnamon is a great flavor enhancer for savory dishes like my version of Vietnamese Pho and Malaysian Curry,” Nguyen tells VegNews. “Just be mindful of the amount you’ll be sprinkling so it remains suitable to your taste and liking.”
Nguyen believes that cinnamon’s warm and earthy fragrance is a key reason why it evokes the essence of fall. She notes that cinnamon pairs exceptionally well with a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, star anise, and ginger, enhancing the complexity of dishes without overpowering them.
Beyond the kitchen, Nguyen likes to use cinnamon sticks for their visual appeal, while Awada points out that cinnamon can also be used as a natural insect repellent.
Savory cinnamon recipes
Ready to explore the savory side of cinnamon? Dive into these 11 delicious recipes that will infuse your dishes with the warm and inviting flavors of fall.
1Moroccan Layered Vegan Couscous
A melange of vegetables is seasoned with a traditional Moroccan spice blend that focuses on cinnamon in this quick, hearty meal.
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2Cajun Coconut Sweet Potato Rigatoni With Kale
Rigatoni is amped up with a bit of cinnamon and Cajun spices in a creamy coconut sauce.
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3Vegan Indian Sweet Corn (Makai No Chevdo)
A common street snack in Gujarat, India, the sweet corn gets its savory notes from cinnamon and asafetida—a spice found in Indian markets.
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4Vegan Split Pea Dal With Ginger and Coconut
This recipe calls for whole spices like cumin seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks, which are cooked intact for a fragrant stew.
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5Easy, Smoky Vegan Bean and Lentil Chili
Get your chips ready because this smoky lentil chili is the It Girl of fall with its warming spices, including chili powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and, of course, cinnamon.
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6Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Are you a Chipotle Boy on a budget? We’ve got just the thing to get you through the fall.
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7Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
A cult classic at Taco Bell, this vegan version spices the red sauce with a dash of cinnamon, in what is perhaps the only authentically Mexican thing about it.
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Kate Ramos
8Butternut Squash Al Pastor With Charred Poblano Cashew Cream
Butternut squash like you’ve never seen it before becomes a savory, toothsome taco filling after being roasted and doused in a flavorful seasoning.
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9Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun)
Lahmacun is a Middle Eastern flatbread traditionally topped with ground beef—and our plant-based version is spiced to perfection.
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10Vegan Malai Kofta
The cinnamon here is an aromatic stick in the rich tomato-onion gravy that coats these tofu and potato-based meatballs.
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11 Stuffed Squash Roast With Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Ready to impress all of your holiday guests? This stuffed squash roast is filled with rice, glazed onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a cinnamon-spiked cranberry-orange sauce that pulls the whole thing together.
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Anna Starostinetskaya is the Senior News Editor at VegNews and is always keeping an eye on all things vegan in her home city of San Francisco, CA and everywhere else.
