Coriander Seeds Substitute

Coriander seeds give a slightly sweet yet zesty flavor to the dishes. They are quite popular in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East but are not widely available worldwide. However, a somewhat similar taste can be brought to foods by using substitutes to coriander seeds.

Coriander is the spherical seed of a small plant called Eryngium foetidum. The fresh leaves of the same plant are known as cilantro. Both coriander seeds and cilantro are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Unripe coriander seeds have an unsavory smell, while their ripe form has a distinctive fragrance. They impart a warm, mild, and sweetish flavor to pungent dishes from India, Middle East, and Mexico.

Its popularity as an ingredient to many dishes is increasing day by day. But its unavailability in many parts of the world restricts its usage. This is the reason why many people ask for coriander seed substitutes that can enhance the flavor of certain dishes in the same manner as these seeds do. The article has tried to list a few such substitutes that can bring the taste which may not be exactly same as coriander seeds, but quite similar to them. However, to get a better understanding of usage of these seeds and their benefits, take a look at the following account.

Uses of Coriander Seeds

• Coriander seeds find their use in various kinds of recipes. They are a major constituent of curry powder in India.
• The crispy form of coriander seeds is used in stews, soups, and various Mexican cuisines.
• Since coriander seeds blend well with smoked meat, they are an important ingredient in many English and Italian recipes.
• They are an important constituent of garam masala, pudding, and pickling spices.
• Powdered coriander seeds are added to cakes, breads, and other baked foods to enhance their flavor.

Benefits

• Coriander seeds help in removing heavy metals from the bloodstream as they can form chelates with them.
• They have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, they are used to alleviate the symptoms of diseases like arthritis.
• Regular intake of coriander seeds and leaves help in relieving many digestive system problems.
• These seeds are a rich source of minerals like iron and magnesium.
• They have a high content of dietary fiber.
• Coriander seeds, when taken on a regular basis, lower the concentration of low density lipoproteins (also called bad cholesterol) and raise the levels of high density lipoproteins (also called good cholesterol).
• They prevent nausea and treat intestinal gas.
• Coriander seeds are an aromatic stimulant and increases appetite. They boost the digestive system and relieve the problem of flatulence.
• These seeds are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Substitutes

• You can substitute one tablespoon of shredded coriander leaves with one teaspoon each of chopped fresh parsley, tarragon, and dill. They will impart an almost similar flavor to the dishes.
• You may substitute one tablespoon of coriander seeds with one teaspoon each of caraway, fennel, and cumin seeds.
• You may use cilantro as coriander seeds substitute as it gives almost similar taste to the foods. In many recipes like dukkah, coconut paste, cucumber raita, and cardamom can replace coriander seeds.

Though there are some substitutes for coriander seeds available, yet they cannot give the taste that these seeds impart to dishes. The flavor added by coriander seeds is undefinable and is truly pleasant and without any match. Therefore, try to keep these seeds as a part of your spice collection in your kitchen because practically, nothing can substitute it.

Like it? Share it!