🌟 Beyond the Biryani: 5 Unique Ways to Use Whole Cloves

When you think of whole cloves, your mind probably jumps to biryani, garam masala, or masala chai—and rightfully so. But this small, aromatic spice has far more range than you might expect. With its bold, sweet, and warming flavor, cloves can enhance both everyday meals and creative culinary experiments.

At Welza Foods, we believe in rediscovering traditional spices in new ways. Here are 5 unique and surprising ways to use whole cloves that go way beyond biryani.

1. 🫖 Clove-Infused Warm Beverages
You’ve had cloves in masala chai, but why stop there? Cloves can elevate a wide range of warm drinks with just one or two buds.

Try in:
Golden Milk (Haldi Doodh): Add 1 clove for an extra warming note.

Citrus-Spice Tea: Simmer whole cloves with orange peel and cinnamon.

Homemade Apple Cider: Let cloves steep for a comforting, cozy drink.

💡 Pro Tip: Always strain the drink to avoid biting into a whole clove.

2. 🍯 Spiced Jaggery Syrup or Chutney
Whole cloves add depth and aroma to sweet-sour chutneys and jaggery-based syrups. The result? Rich, sticky, bold flavor perfect for snacks or desserts.

Use in:
Imli (Tamarind) Chutney for chaats

Date & Jaggery Sauce for fritters

Glazed vegetables with spiced syrup drizzle

The clove's warm spice balances sweetness and adds a gourmet twist.

3. 🥗 Clove-Infused Oil for Dressings or Drizzling
Did you know you can infuse cooking oil with cloves? Gently warm a few cloves in oil to create a flavored base for salad dressings, sautés, or even dipping breads.

Perfect for:
Roasted garlic & clove vinaigrette

Warm potato salads

Toasted bread or naan dips

The oil picks up the spice’s warm aroma and adds a subtle kick to otherwise bland dishes.

4. 🍚 Spiced Porridge or Oats
Cloves can give your breakfast a cozy, festive twist. Just one clove in the cooking water of porridge or oats will infuse it with aromatic warmth.

Try in:
Oats with jaggery & banana

Rice kheer or daliya

Quinoa breakfast bowls with dates & nuts

It’s a great way to bring a bit of Indian spice magic into your mornings.

5. 🍍 Sweet & Savory Fruit Dishes
Whole cloves pair beautifully with fruits, both fresh and stewed. Their sweet-spicy notes complement tropical or stone fruits, adding complexity.

Use in:
Stewed apples or pears

Spiced pineapple curry (Kerala-style)

Fruit preserves & jams

You’ll be surprised how cloves enhance fruit dishes—deepening flavor while balancing sweetness.

🌿 Final Thoughts
Whole cloves are often tucked away until biryani night—but they deserve the spotlight in more ways than one. From breakfast to beverages, sauces to salads, cloves offer a rich, warming flavor that enhances both savory and sweet creations.

So the next time you open your Welza spice box, reach for those tiny, powerful buds—and go beyond the biryani.

👉 Spice Outside the Box
Welza Whole Cloves – Pure. Potent. Perfect for Every Plate.