Learn about the 5 Incredible Cilantro Substitutes

If you need to replace coriander for any reason, learn about the 5 Incredible Coriander Substitutes and search the spice racks for caraway seeds, cumin, curry powder, dukkah, garam masala, oregano, sage, fennel seeds, or fresh coriander leaves. cilantro. These substitutes for cilantro not only have similar flavors, allowing them to be substituted quite easily for cooking, but also share some of the same health benefits. Since this spice has often been used in traditional medical applications, this overlap of potential health effects is important when choosing an appropriate replacement.

What is a Cilantro?
Coriander is the name for the dried seeds that come from the same herbaceous plant as fresh coriander leaves. This dual name, based on which part of the plant is harvested, has resulted in some confusion over the years. Coriander seeds can be used whole in various applications, but are most commonly found in the ground form. This spice possesses dietary fiber, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, E, C and K, and numerous B-family vitamins. It is also rich in other minerals such as calcium, iron, copper and magnesium. Not only does this nutrient blend contain a healthy flavor, but it also has a warm, aromatic, earthy flavor that is popular in Indian cuisines such as curries, as well as being great for protein dishes, chilies, sauces, stews, soups. , meat and fish rubs, marinades and even as a component in the pickling process.

The versatile nature of this spice in the kitchen is matched only by the number of different health applications it has, from digestive health and blood pressure to the immune system, bone strength and chronic disease prevention. Fortunately, there are some great options to use as a substitute for cilantro.

Cilantro Substitutes
Substitutes for cilantro are as follows:

Coriander leaves
Since cilantro comes from the same plant as coriander leaves, many people naturally assume that these fresh leaves will be a suitable replacement. However, cilantro tends to taste fresher and slightly less pungent than cilantro and is an herb that people tend to either love or loathe. If you're one of the former, use a similar amount of cilantro as you would seeds from the same plant, and it should taste relatively similar in your food.

Comino
This might be the most reliable replacement for cilantro, as long as you don't try to mimic too many of the spice's citrus undertones. When it comes to earthiness, few things are better than cumin, and it's common to find this spice in Indian and Mexican cooking. You can use less cumin (3/4) than the recommended amount of coriander for a given recipe. Cumin also provides similar health effects, with a reputation for aiding digestion, preventing oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and increasing the body's absorption of nutrients.

caraway seeds
With almost the same flavor profile as coriander, many people recommend caraway seeds as the best substitute. They share the earthy, warm, and aromatic flavor of cilantro, and even have an underlying citrus flavor when consumed. This could be explained by the fact that they belong to the same family of herbaceous plants. Caraway seeds are a bit more potent so should be used sparingly, and you will likely need less caraway seeds than coriander to achieve a similar flavor.

spice mix
This popular Indian spice mix actually contains coriander within it, making it an obvious choice for a replacement, and maintains a spicy, earthy, and nutty tone when added to dishes. However, depending on the type of food you're making, the other herbs in this spice mix could overpower the flavors. Be conservative in using garam masala as a substitute for coriander, although in terms of health benefits, it also improves digestive health, boosts the immune system, and increases the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

When replacing a fresh herb, the first thing you should try is finding a dried variety. In the case of parsley, most culinary experts say that the potency is multiplied 3 times in the dried form, so if your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead. The flavor combination will be almost identical, although some slight changes occur when the herb is dried.
Cilantro has a distinctive flavor that's hard to match, but there are undeniable citrus undertones beneath the earthy, nutty exterior. If you are a fan of this delicious aspect of cilantro, then oregano may be your best option as a substitute. When cooking Mexican food, oregano works particularly well in place of oregano, and it will be very difficult to tell the difference. Oregano also contains a number of the same minerals as cilantro, including iron, calcium, and manganese.

Despite being the most expensive spice in the world, some people still look to saffron if they want to replace turmeric in certain recipes. The greatest similarity between saffron and turmeric is the color the spice will lend to a given dish, while the active ingredients and health effects are markedly different. Although, most people would choose to use turmeric as the price difference between the two spices is very significant.
When cooking an Indian dish, curry powder can often be an effective substitute, although it should not be used in the same quantities. Curry powder is a powerful, pungent flavor that can permeate an entire dish, so the recommended amount of coriander should be halved. Also, remember that curry powder contains turmeric, which will add a different color and slightly different flavor to your food. Nutritionally, curry powder is quite similar, with the ability to stimulate bone growth, prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, and protect the immune system.

YOU CAN ALSO SEE: Health Benefits of Moringa Tea.

Salbia
Similar to oregano, sage reflects the lighter, zestier side of ground coriander. When looking for a slightly fresher flavor or a more subtle replacement for cilantro, turn to this popular option. Sage also has many of the same vitamins and minerals as cilantro, so its health effects are very similar.

Fennel seeds
Some people enjoy the slight licorice sweetness of fennel seeds, combined with the earthy flavor this spice provides, meaning it can sometimes substitute for coriander, depending on the dish. Fennel seeds are best as a replacement when it comes to sauces, soups and curries and should be used sparingly as the flavor can be quite strong in a dish. In terms of health effects, fennel is also very good at reducing excess flatulence, improving digestion and eliminating inflammation.