This brief guide will address the query, “What does coriander powder smell like?” We will also discuss how differently coriander powder and cilantro taste and smell as well as how we can make coriander powder at home and how they can be used in your dishes.
What does coriander powder smell like?
Coriander powder has a very unique smell with a blend of earthy, lemony, and spicy aromas. Not to be confused with cilantro which has a completely different flavor and smell.
Coriander’s unique smell and its ability to go well with any dish is the reason why it is one of the most loved spices in the world.
What does coriander taste like?
Coriander has a very nutty and lemony flavor and 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.
Do coriander powder and cilantro smell the same?
This is a common question that people have, and the answer is no, coriander powder and cilantro do not smell the same. Unlike the difference between coriander powder and dried coriander seeds, the difference between cilantro and ground coriander is huge. Not only do they smell different but their flavors are also completely different from one another.
If we’re talking about cilantro then the opinions are always divided. Many people hate its strong pungent aroma. Some even say it smells like soap. However, like I said the opinion is divided so the people who love it, love it anyway.
You can use it as a garnish for a fresh and lemony aroma or you can cook it with the ingredients, it depends on you. Either way, the dish will have a slightly different aroma.
In the case of coriander powder, it’s a widely used spice in different types of cuisines all over the world. Its mild and warm flavors and aroma make it a perfect choice of spice for any kind of recipe.
What do you use coriander for?
Coriander is a multipurpose spice that can be used for numerous recipes in numerous ways. Despite being the product of the same plant, coriander seeds, coriander powder, and cilantro have their unique flavors and purpose. Likewise, they also differ in the way they are used while cooking.
Coriander powder is commonly used in almost every recipe while cooking. Similarly, coriander seeds can be used by tempering in hot oil before cooking or they may also be used in marinades by crushing them. Likewise, cilantro is mostly used as a garnish due to its fresh and tangy flavors and aroma.
How to make coriander powder?
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.
How to use coriander in dishes?
Here’s how you can use coriander to spice up your recipes:
- You can use coriander powder in all your curries, pickles, soups, and gravies. It goes well in both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian recipes.
- It is also used as an ingredient in baking cakes, bread, and pastries like gingerbread.
- Coriander seeds are often used in marinades especially if you’re cooking fish or meat. The spices are absorbed perfectly after keeping them overnight.
- Coriander powder also goes very well with mushrooms, tofu, and paneer.
- You can use coriander powder to spice up even your bland vegetables like spinach. It adds a unique flavor to them.
- Sprinkle over salads for that tangy flavor.
For detailed recipes, please click the link here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “What does coriander powder smell like?” We have also discussed how differently coriander powder and cilantro taste and smell as well as how we can make coriander powder at home and how they can be used in your dishes.