Coriander powder is a spice made from the ground seeds of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum). Known for its warm, nutty, and slightly citrusy flavor, coriander powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes across multiple cuisines.
An Introduction to Coriander Powder
Coriander powder is made from the dried seeds of the coriander herb, which is part of the parsley family. The seeds are usually toasted before being ground to bring out their full aroma and flavor.
Coriander powder has an earthy, warming taste with a subtle citrus note. It is an essential component of many spice blends and is especially common in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines.
When added to dishes, coriander powder provides an aromatic, nutty background flavor that blends well with other spices. It is more mellow than the fresh coriander leaves, making it suitable for long-cooked recipes.
Key Takeaway: Coriander powder is made from ground coriander seeds and adds an earthy, nutty, and slightly citrusy flavor to dishes.
Vegetables
Coriander powder is an excellent way to add flavor dimension to vegetables. Here are some tasty ways to use it:
1. Roasted Vegetables
A sprinkle of coriander powder takes roasted veggies like potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and squash to the next level. The warming, nutty notes complement the caramelized natural sweetness of the vegetables. Simply toss chopped veggies with oil, salt, and 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon coriander powder before roasting.
2. Lentils and Beans
The earthy taste of coriander powder pairs perfectly with the hearty flavor of lentils, beans, and chickpeas. Add 1⁄2 teaspoon of powder when simmering lentils or beans to give them an aromatic boost. It also livens up bean salads and dips like hummus.
3.Potatoes
Potatoes and coriander are a match made in heaven. Coriander powder shines in potato curries, vegetable biryani, and even oven-roasted potatoes. Add up to 1 teaspoon of powder while the potatoes are cooking to infuse them with flavor.
4. Vegetable Curries
No Indian vegetable curry is complete without the warming taste of coriander powder. It adds complexity and aromatics when simmered with veggies like okra, eggplant, cabbage, peas, and more. Use 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon in curries.
In short, coriander powder adds nutty, citrusy depth to all kinds of vegetables, from roasted to curried and beyond.
Meat, Fish and Eggs
The subtle flavor of coriander powder pairs beautifully with meat, fish, and eggs without overpowering them. Here are some tasty options:
5. Grilled Meats
Rub coriander powder, along with other spices like cumin and garlic, onto chicken, beef, lamb or pork before grilling for incredible flavor. It brings out the natural sweetness of the meat.
6. Fish and Seafood
Combine 1⁄2 teaspoon coriander powder with lemon, oil, and herbs like dill to make an easy marinade for fish fillets, shrimp, scallops, or calamari. The citrusy powder brightens up the seafood.
7. Spice Up Meatballs
Add a new dimension to meatballs by mixing in 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon coriander powder into the ground meat. It adds warmth and aroma to beef, pork, lamb, or turkey meatballs without overpowering their flavor.
8. Omelets and Scrambled Eggs
A touch of coriander powder, about 1⁄4 teaspoon, gives a lift to plain omelets and scrambled egg dishes. It provides subtle background notes that complement the eggs.
The nutty, earthy coriander flavor brings out the best in meat, fish, and egg dishes.
Rice, Grains and Breads
The aroma of coriander powder infuses beautifully into rice, grains, and breads. Here are some ways to use it:
9. Rice Pilaf
Stir 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander into the liquids when cooking pilaf-style rice. Its citrusy aroma permeates the rice, giving it an extra dimension of flavor.
10. Flatbreads
Add coriander along with garlic powder and cumin when making naan, roti, or flatbreads. Brush with ghee or olive oil and cook until slightly charred. The spices make the bread incredibly aromatic.
11. Couscous
Combine 1⁄4 teaspoon each of coriander powder and cumin when preparing couscous per the package directions. Fluff with a fork and top with sautéed veggies, nuts and lemon zest.
12. Baked Goods
A small amount of coriander powder, about 1⁄8 teaspoon, adds earthy background notes to quick breads, scones, biscuits, and muffins. It works well with ingredients like zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and nuts.
The nutty citrus flavor of coriander powder enhances everything from rice to baked treats.
Sauces, Dips and Dressings
Brighten up your sauces, dips, and dressings with a pinch of coriander powder. Here are some tasty ways to use it:
13. Guacamole
Coriander has an affinity for avocados. Adding just 1⁄4 teaspoon of the powder when making guacamole gives it a delightful lift. The citrus note pairs perfectly with the creaminess.
14. Yogurt Sauces
Stir a pinch of ground coriander into raita, tzatziki, or other yogurt-based sauces. It provides a subtle complement to the cool and tangy yogurt.
15. Salad Dressings
Whisk a small pinch of coriander powder into lemon, lime, or orange vinaigrettes. It adds pleasant background aromatics.
16. Hummus
Hummus is taken to new heights with a sprinkling of coriander powder. Chickpeas and nutty coriander are a match made in heaven. Start with 1⁄4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
A little coriander powder goes a long way in brightening up all kinds of dips, dressings, and sauces.
Soups and Stews
The warming, earthy nature of coriander powder makes it an excellent addition to simmering soups and stews. Here are some ways to use it:
17. Lentil Soup
Add 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander when preparing lentil or bean-based soups. It provides an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
18. Vegetable Stew
Simmer starchy vegetables like potatoes, carrots and parsnips in broth along with 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon coriander powder and other spices like cumin. It provides a subtle lift.
19. Chicken Soup
Add ground coriander along with a bay leaf when simmering chicken soup or stock. It provides pleasant background notes to complement the chicken.
20. Chili
Add a dash of coriander powder to chili along with traditional spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. It adds pleasant nutty undertones.
The earthy aroma of coriander powder enhances and complements soups and stews.
Curries and Stir Fries
No discussion of coriander powder is complete without mentioning curries. It also works well in stir fries.
21. Curry Powder
Coriander is a key ingredient in many curry powder blends. Add up to 1 teaspoon per 2-3 teaspoons of curry powder to round out the flavor.
22. Veggie Curries
Add 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander when sautéing the onion-tomato base for veggie curries. It provides a wonderful nutty aroma.
23. Meat Curries
Rub 1⁄2 teaspoon coriander powder onto meat along with other spices before braising for curries. The flavor infuses into the meat as it simmers.
24. Stir Fries
Add a dash of ground coriander to the aromatics when stir-frying meats or vegetables. It complements ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
A small amount of coriander powder packs a flavor punch in curries, stir fries, and more.
Sweet Dishes
You may be surprised to learn that coriander powder has a place in sweet foods too. Here are some ways to use it:
25. Fruit Salads
A pinch of coriander powder enhances fruit salads with ingredients like oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, and plums. It brings out the fruit's sweetness.
26. Sweet Potatoes
The nutty citrus flavor of coriander is a natural pairing for sweet potatoes. Add a pinch when roasting or baking them for a flavor boost.
27. Poached Fruit
When poaching pears, apples, or stone fruit in syrup, add 1⁄4 teaspoon coriander powder to the poaching liquid. It provides delicate aromatics.
A small amount of coriander powder enhances the natural sweetness of fruits and baked goods.
Spice Blends
One of the most popular uses for coriander powder is in spice blends. It combines well with many other spices.
28. Garam Masala
This Indian spice blend gets its warming, nutty aroma from coriander powder. Use 1-2 teaspoons garam masala in curries, lentils, roasted veggies, and more.
29. Taco Seasoning
Along with cumin, chili powder, and oregano, coriander gives taco meat its signature Mexican flavors.
30. Ras El Hanout
This North African spice mix contains up to 30 spices, with coriander being integral for its subtle nutty notes.
Coriander powder is a versatile background player in all types of spice blends.
Key Takeaway: Coriander powder contributes its earthy, nutty citrus flavor to spice mixes like garam masala, curry powder, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does coriander powder taste like?
Coriander powder has an earthy, nutty taste with subtle citrus undertones. It is much more mellow than fresh coriander leaves.
Is coriander powder the same as ground coriander?
Yes, coriander powder and ground coriander are the same thing. They refer to the dried coriander seeds that have been finely ground into a powder.
What is the best way to use coriander powder?
Coriander powder is very versatile. It can be used to season vegetables, meats, soups, curries, stir fries, and more. Start with small amounts, about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon.
What cuisine uses coriander powder the most?
Coriander powder is an essential ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. It is found in many of their signature spice blends and dishes.
Does coriander powder expire?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, coriander powder will last about 6 months before losing its flavor and aroma. Buy smaller quantities if you don't use it often.
Conclusion
Coriander powder is a warm, earthy, nutty, and slightly citrusy spice that is valuable to have in your kitchen. It can enhance so many dishes, from meat and vegetables to desserts and spice blends.
Start experimenting with small amounts to find the perfect balance for your palate. Let coriander powder bring its special flavor and aroma to your cooking.