Coriander
Ground coriander, also known as coriander powder, is a spice that is made from the dried seeds of the coriander plant. The history of coriander can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used coriander for its medicinal properties, and it was also used as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In ancient Chinese medicine, coriander was used to treat a variety of ailments such as indigestion and respiratory problems.
Coriander was brought to the Americas by European settlers, and it quickly became a popular herb in American cuisine. Today, ground coriander is used in many different cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern. It's a key ingredient in many traditional dishes such as curries, stews, and marinades.
Ground coriander has a warm and slightly citrusy flavor, and it is often used in combination with other spices such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger. It's commonly used in curries, stews, marinades, and spice blends such as garam masala, ras el hanout, and berbere.
In addition to its culinary uses, ground coriander has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Coriander is high in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Ground coriander is easy to find in most supermarkets and it can be stored in an airtight container for several months. It's important to note that ground coriander loses its flavor quickly when exposed to light, heat and air, so it's best to store it in a cool, dark place.
Here are a few dishes that go well with ground coriander:
Curries and stews: Ground coriander is a common ingredient in curries and stews, particularly in Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Meat dishes: Ground coriander is a common ingredient in meat dishes such as kebabs, sausage, and meatloaf.
Soups and stews: Ground coriander can be used to add a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to soups and stews.
Spiced drinks: Ground coriander can be used to add a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to hot drinks such as tea and coffee.
Vegetable dishes: Ground coriander can be used to add a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to vegetable dishes such as roasted vegetables, curries and stews.
Seafood dishes: Ground coriander can be used to add a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to seafood dishes such as fish tacos, ceviche, and shrimp scampi.
Salad dressings and marinades: Ground coriander can be used to add a warm and slightly citrusy flavor to salad dressings and marinades.
Salsas, guacamoles, and dips: Ground coriander is a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes such as salsa, guacamole, and dips, it adds a refreshing and bright flavor to these dishes.
Ground coriander pairs well with other spices such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger and it's commonly used in combination with lime juice, cilantro, and other herbs to enhance its flavor.