Ingredient: Cilantro


ยป Jump to recipes using Cilantro as an ingredient

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Cilantro-

  • Description- Cilantro is a green feathery leaved, fragrant, annual herb.  Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley. The seeds of this plant are used as a spice called coriander.  Cilantro is a love it or hate it herb, many people taste these leaves differently.  If you enjoy cilantro you may taste it as refreshing with a lemony flavor, but those who do not enjoy cilantro liken it to soap.
  • Preparation- Cilantro is used as an ingredient in many cultures. Remove the leaves from the stems. Use the leaves whole to garnish a dish or chop the and add it to soups etc.
  • Storage- The leaves will spoil quickly when they are removed from the stems, so wait to remove them until you are ready to apply it to your dish.  I keep my cilantro in a jar of water in the fridge with a bag loosely around it.  Some people prefer to keep their cilantro on the counter top. Cut cilantro keeps for 5-ish days.  
  • Nutrition- Vitamin K, C, A

 

Herb butter is a great way to preserve herbs over the winter months.  Check out our recipe for it!

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Recipes Using Cilantro

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

This is an Anderson family favorite, perfect for when the spaghetti squash season rolls around. Soy sauce or tamari can substitute fish sauce if you want to keep it vegetarian. Tamarind paste can be substituted for rice wine vinegar as well, but the real deal is best. Give yourself time to drain the tofu and make the squash, but the pad thai itself is quick to make.


Chilled Coconut Corn Soup

If you’re looking for a hearty vegan option for your summer corn bounty, this soup has the semblance of a sweet potato or butternut squash chowder, as the corn provides a similar sweetness to the potatoes. Avocado and coconut milk provide some quality fats and nutrition, while ginger adds a nice touch. I skipped the cilantro garnish as it wasn’t in season, but I bet it’s good if you have better luck growing cilantro than me! The toasted coconut garnish is great on it’s own!


Cherry Tomato and Tomatillo Salsa

Got tomatillos and cherries? This one’s for you! The peppers can range from mild to the hot habanero I used here, and all the ingredients are pretty flexible based on what you have and how you like it. Have fun making it your own!