Can you leave nutmeg out of a recipe?

In some cases, yes, but it really depends on the role of nutmeg in the dish. Nutmeg is a spice with a distinctly nutty and slightly sweet flavour that is often used for baking or seasoning savoury dishes. If nutmeg is part of a spice blend or only one of many spices contributing flavour to a recipe, leaving it out may not significantly affect the overall taste. The result might simply be a slightly less complex flavour.

On the other hand, nutmeg can play a pivotal role in some recipes, particularly in certain desserts like pumpkin pie or spice cakes, where it provides a defining character. In such instances, omitting nutmeg would create a distinctly different flavour profile. Additionally, nutmeg acts as a natural preservative and flavour enhancer in various meat and sauce preparations. Removing nutmeg could affect the intended flavour balance and shelf life of the dish.

Here's a simple guideline:

- If nutmeg is just one of many spices in the dish, leaving it out may not have a major impact on the final flavour.

- If the recipe features nutmeg as a principal ingredient or if it's a dish you're making for the first time, it's best to use it as per the instructions.

If you're looking for a suitable substitute for nutmeg, the closest alternative in terms of flavour would be allspice, although it would still likely result in a slightly different taste profile.