Coriander

Coriander

co·ri·an·der

Coriander spice seeds are brownish in color and come from the Apiaceae plant. The plant leaves are known as the herb cilantro. Cilantro leaves are used in the fresh form and the dried seeds are used as a spice which is enjoyed in many cuisines around the world. 

Origin

The coriander plant is also known as Chinese parsley and is a flowering plant native to regions in Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia. According to early texts, the the plant was cultivated in Greece and Egypt for its flavor and medicinal purposes. The seeds are now produced in many parts of the world including Russia, India, South America and North Africa and often found in the culinary dishes from these regions. 

Recipes
While the coriander seeds and cilantro leaves are both very common in recipes, they serve different purposes and used in a variety of ways. The leaves are often used as a garnish or to add a hint of flavor to a dish whereas the spice is used to add a deep flavor to a recipe. 

Both coriander seeds and cilantro are widely used in Indian cuisine. Coriander spice is one of the staple spices found in curry dishes and often combined with cumin seeds and in garam masala spice mixes. 
These spices can be purchased as whole seeds or the ground powder form but you can also choose to blend your own coriander, dhania, powder for fresher and richer flavor to add to delicious meals as coriander dhania chicken curry.
Tip: I use a coffee grinder to blend all my spices. The smells are aromatic and certainly fill up your whole kitchen. This also shows the freshness of your spices and reflects in the rich flavor.

Another favorite is Coriander chutney, also known as green chutney, is used as a dipping sauce for appetizers as samosas and pakora fritters. It is often one of the sauces served at Indian restaurants. Chutney can also be used as a marinade to flavor chicken or shrimp or to add to your favorite sandwiches. Try making a chutney and cheese sandwich with tomatoes for a flavorful snack.  

Commonly used in Moroccan cuisines, coriander is used to make chermoula spice mix used as a condiment or as a marinade to make Moroccan steamed chicken with chermoula stuffing.  

Popular in Hispanic cuisine, fresh cilantro is used to make salsas and also a special cilantro spice sauce to add extra flavor to just about any dish. Give it a try to spice up your tacos or nachos. 

Coriander is a warm flavorful spice that can be added to rubs for pork chops and burgers or even soups and salads. If you’re looking to add some extra spice masala in your breakfast, try this Nepalese version of scrambled eggs and delicious coriander bread.

Coriander is a favorite in so many delicious cuisines around the world. For meals from India to the Middle East to Thai dishes, enjoy these recipes.

It is no surprise that coriander is also used in beverages as beers and has been used in European beer since the Middle Ages to add a bit of a warm flavor. Give this recipe a try if you are interested in spicing up your next home brew.
Cilantro leaves are of course found many drinks as the mojito and margarita. Salud!

Cures

Cilantro and coriander both have amazing medicinal benefits and can be consumed as a tea or beverage.

Coriander seeds water, also known as dhania pani, has been known to provide comfort for digestion, help with stomach ailments, reduce body heat and water retention, lower blood sugar, improve skin, hair and even kidney function and can aid with weight loss. 

Green juices are well known for their detox qualities and cilantro is of course one of the greens found in these juices. It can also be enjoyed on its own in a coriander juice for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Beauty
Coriander seeds are also available in essential oil form and can help with skin blemishes, reduce sun damage or fungal infections since it has anti-inflammatory qualities.

Coriander is definitely a versatile spice that serves many purposes.


Sources


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