Cilantro and Coriander Kitchen Basics

What spices does coriander go well with?
Is there a difference between coriander and cilantro?
How do you use cilantro in cooking?
Is cilantro better raw or cooked?
What can you substitute for coriander?
When should I use coriander?
Why do people hate cilantro?
Can you be allergic to coriander but not cilantro?
Why does coriander taste like soap?
What tastes good with cilantro?
What happens if you cook cilantro?

What spices does coriander go well with?

I find coriander most partial to black pepper, cumin, and herbs like thyme, parsley, and cilantro (the leaves of the coriander plant). It's an essential component to homemade curry powders and some complex barbecue rubs; I also find it a brilliant addition to gremolatas of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.

Is there a difference between coriander and cilantro?

Both cilantro and coriander come from the Coriandrum sativum plant. In the US, cilantro is the name for the plant's leaves and stem, while coriander is the name for its dried seeds. Internationally, the leaves and stems are called coriander, while its dried seeds are called coriander seeds.

How do you use cilantro in cooking?

Ways to Use Cilantro

Spice up your sour cream. Chopped cilantro can be stirred in with sour cream and then used to top chili, soups, and stews. ...
Rev up your rice. ...
Give salad dressing a kick. ...
Create a quick coleslaw. ...
Add flavor to your stir-fry. ...
Give your bagels a boost. ...
Spice up pasta salads. ...
Flavor your oils.

Is cilantro better raw or cooked?

Both the stems and leaves of the plant can be used in either their raw or cooked form. However, cilantro is generally preferred raw given its delicate structure, and the fresh leaves are frequently used as a garnish.

What can you substitute for coriander?

Summary The best substitutes for coriander seeds include cumin, garam masala, curry powder and caraway.

When should I use coriander?

Coriander seeds are usually toasted and ground before using; otherwise, they can have a tough texture to chew. Ground coriander is used as a spice in dishes like curry and in baked goods. Dry roast them in a pan or in the oven at a low temperature, then use a spice grinder to produce the ground coriander.

Why do people hate cilantro?

Of course some of this dislike may come down to simple preference, but for those cilantro-haters for whom the plant tastes like soap, the issue is genetic. These people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to strongly perceive the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.

Can you be allergic to coriander but not cilantro?

Most food allergies develop during childhood, but they can also crop up later in life. You can become allergic to cilantro even if you've had no problem eating it for years. If you're allergic to cilantro, you may find that raw cilantro causes symptoms, but cooked cilantro doesn't.

Why does coriander taste like soap?

Coriander also has some aldehydes that are found in soaps, detergents, and lotions as well as the bug family of insects. Soap has a taste of sodium fluoride. These aldehydes, mainly (E)-2-alkenals and n-aldehydes, are responsible for the soapy taste in coriander.

What tastes good with cilantro?

Cilantro pairs well with garlic, lemon, lime, chiles, and onions, and with other herbs like basil and mint. Depending on how fresh it is and on how it was grown, the strength of its flavor will vary. Taste a few leaves— if they're very mild, use more. Cilantro's flavor fades when heated.

What happens if you cook cilantro?

The cilantro does not cook, it is used raw in the kitchen, just like parsley. It will be added to the dish after it is cooked. Introduced too early, it loses all its flavor. Also, be aware that fresh coriander is perfect to flavor fish, like seafood mussels with cream.