Coriander - Description
Coriander (cilantro) is the most common spicy plant in the world. Both greens and round small seeds, called mata, are used as food. The plant is mentioned in the Bible - every Jew should eat green fragrant grass as food. Coriander seeds are one of the famous spices, without which in many countries most meat or vegetable dishes cannot do. Amazing grass and its small fruits are perfectly combined with many spices, so coriander is included in many mixtures.
There is a version that the name of the grass comes from the word “bug” (cinnamon), the Russians also sometimes call it klopovnik. Despite this name, it is the most versatile seasoning in the world, used for more than three thousand years. In ancient times, it grew in Asia and the southern parts of Europe. Most Eastern countries consider cilantro to be the most sought after herb, indispensable in salads, soups, meats and vegetable stews. It is advisable to add fresh herbs to food, as during heat treatment, both taste and properties are lost.
Coriander - Properties
Doctors warn those who like all kinds of spices: coriander should not be consumed in too large quantities, as this can cause the opposite effect of the treatment. For example, it is known that cilantro herbs or its seeds are effective against stress and nervous disorders, but in large doses it can cause sleep disturbance.
Coriander is useful for improving cardiovascular activity, helps to fight suffocation and tantrums, has an antiseptic effect, and of course, like all greens, contains a large amount of vitamins. Seeds have a beneficial effect on digestion, strengthen the work of the sex glands. At one time it is not recommended to eat more than 4 grams of seeds.
Coriander - use in cooking
In culinary use not only seeds and greens, but also roots. Seeds are widely used in baking, marinades, mixtures of various seasonings. It is better to grind small fruits before cooking, as it loses its flavor very quickly. At first, it is better to fry them in a pan so that they become even more fragrant. Green plants are also used in marinades, salads and just to enhance the taste of many dishes. Known recipes for alcoholic beverages and tinctures on the seeds. Although it is considered an Asian seasoning, it is also loved in North Africa, the countries of the Mediterranean, Russia and the Caucasus. Coriander Recipe Examples
Recipe 1: Pork ham with coriander in red wine
This is very tasty meat. Wine does not give the dish an alcoholic taste, it evaporates guaranteed and only the aroma of meat remains. Stocking up ham and get a wonderful lunch or dinner from 4-6 servings. In principle, you can take and beef, but it will have to cook for an hour and a half more. Pork in red wine is the national dish of the Greeks, it has a special name - “Aphelia”.
Ingredients: spatula or pork ham (800 grams), dry wine (500 ml), ground coriander (1 tablespoon), cinnamon, black ground pepper (1/2 tsp), salt, vegetable oil , onions (1 large piece).
Method of preparation
Cut the meat into small pieces, lay out in a bowl. Add coriander, cinnamon, pepper and salt. Mix wine with meat and leave to marinate for 30-40 minutes. After that, the meat must be removed from the marinade and dried with a towel. Fry the meat in vegetable oil, after receiving a ruddy crust, turn it over so that it is the same on all sides.
Put everything in a pot or a special pot, put in the oven. After about 50-60 minutes, the meat will become soft, pour the rest of the marinade into it. Add the onion and add salt approximately in the middle of cooking. Serve with fried potatoes or rice and greens.
Recipe 2: Pickled Cabbage with Coriander
Marinate many vegetables, mushrooms, root vegetables, berries and fruits, grapes. Marinade is, first of all, spices, acidifying element and sugar. You will not need big knowledge and skills, the most important thing is desire. Store the salad in closed jars in a cool place. You can use nylon covers and refrigerate. Marinated cabbage is a savory dish, just a great appetizer and salad.
Ingredients: cabbage (red or white, 1 head), coriander (1 tablespoon), salt (1 kg = 1 tablespoon), black peppercorns, red pepper (1 pod), bay leaf, cinnamon , cloves, vinegar, salt, sugar (2 tablespoons).
Method of preparation
Shred the cabbage, then salt and mix thoroughly. Spices are placed in a jar, tightly put cabbage and tamped. Pour marinade: vinegar and water in equal proportions, salt, sugar. That's all - in just a few hours you can enjoy spicy cabbage with coriander, remarkably smelling. The recipe for very tasty pickled cabbage is suitable for any kind of heads, the red one turns out to be even tastier. Bright and beautiful salad is useful for any feast.
Recipe 3: Salmon in coriander with honey
This is a recipe for a real banquet dish with breathtaking taste. Coriander, along with honey - a great fill. By the way, there is a real amber-colored coriander honey with healing properties. But for our dishes fit any.
Ingredients: sesame oil (2 tablespoons), coriander seeds (2 tablespoons), salmon (800 grams), juice and lemon peel (2 pcs), honey, soy sauce (2 spoons).
Method of preparation
Mash coriander seeds in a mortar. Mix with soy sauce and add honey and lemon zest. Cut the fillet into 4 pieces, put them in a bowl and pour the marinade. Put in the fridge for 1 hour. Fry fillets for 4 minutes on both sides. Serve watering lemon sauce and sprinkle with herbs. The best side dish for salmon with coriander is boiled rice or fresh vegetables. This recipe can be successfully used for salmon.
Coriander - useful tips from experienced chefs
Coriander seeds have an interesting property. If in the summer heat sprinkle raw meat, add a little vinegar, it gets a pleasant spicy taste and is stored for much longer. For the preparation of marinade for meat can be used and garlic.
