Can I use coriander seeds instead of powder?
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Can I use coriander seeds instead of powder?” We will also discuss the process of making coriander powder at home, the difference between coriander seeds and coriander powder, as well as the best substitutes for coriander powder.
Can I use coriander seeds instead of powder?
Yes, you can use coriander powder instead of the powder but the way of using coriander seeds may differ from how coriander powder is used in a recipe. Coriander powder is made from coriander seeds so the taste will be pretty much the same.
While using coriander seeds, you should temper them in hot oil before you start adding other ingredients or you can crush and use them on marinades and as spice rubs.
What does coriander seed taste like?
Coriander has a very nutty and lemony flavor with a floral aroma. It adds a bit of that tangy flavor to your recipes. Its mild flavors add a unique taste to your recipes without overpowering the other spices.
While cilantro has a flavor that is both complex and delicate, with hints of pepper, mint, and lemon, the flavor of coriander is sweet and aromatic, with a hint of citrus.
What is the difference between coriander seeds and coriander powder?
While the coriander seed is a whole spice, coriander powder is the grounded form of coriander seeds. Unlike the flavor difference between fresh coriander leaves and dried seeds, the flavor difference between whole coriander seeds and ground coriander is mild. There isn’t much difference in terms of flavor and aroma.
The whole coriander seeds give a more woody and citrusy flavor in comparison to their ground counterpart. The main contrast is in the way they are used while cooking.
Coriander seeds just like many other spices are used at the beginning of cooking or with marinades to let the flavors absorb. On the other hand, coriander powder can be used at any time during the cooking process.
How to make coriander powder from coriander seeds?
Coriander powder can be easily made at home from coriander seeds. But of course, if you think it’s too much work, you can always get your ground coriander from the local supermarket. Let us discuss the process of making coriander powder at home:
- Heat a pan at medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add the coriander seeds to the heated pan and roast them until they are completely dry and darker in color. Stir them continuously for about 5 minutes. You can determine when the seeds are roasted from their fragrance.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the seeds to a plate and let it cool for 20 minutes.
- Now that the seeds are completely cooled, it’s time to grind the roasted seeds. Use a spice grinder to grind them. Make sure you shake the grinder a few times to ensure that the seeds are finely ground.
- Transfer the ground coriander to an airtight container and store it in a cool place for longer storage.
What are the best substitutes for coriander powder?
If you ever run out of coriander powder in the middle of cooking your favorite dish, you always have different options you can choose from. Here are some of the best substitutes for coriander powder:
Cumin powder
Cumin powder and coriander powder always go hand in hand and they have similar flavors as well. You can use ground cumin as the best alternative to coriander powder. Even if you don’t have coriander powder in your kitchen, you will always have ground cumin which is a staple spice in everyone’s kitchen.
Garam masala
Garam Masala is a traditional Indian spice that is a blend of different spices like coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, black peppercorns, nutmeg, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, etc.
Due to its strong aroma and flavors, you can use half the amount you would’ve used for coriander powder. For some easy flavorful garam masala recipes, please click the link here.
Curry powder
Curry powder is a spice blend that typically contains turmeric, coriander, chili powder, cumin, and fenugreek. This option maintains the flavor the same but adds more heat and a darker, reddish hue.
Crushed coriander seeds
If you have coriander seeds but no coriander powder, crushing them and using them while cooking will give you similar flavors if not the same.
Other FAQs about Spices that you may be interested in.
What does coriander powder smell like?
What is garam masala called in English?
Is coriander seed good for you?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Can I use coriander seeds instead of powder?” We have also discussed the process of making coriander powder at home, the difference between coriander seeds and coriander powder, as well as the best substitutes for coriander powder.
