5 Easy Ways to Cook With Coriander

Coriander, is extremely popular across Indian kitchens as a garnish. A wonderful source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium & vitamin C, coriander also contains small amount of minerals like calcium and phosphorous. Apart from the aromatic leaves, the seeds and roots of coriander are also used in various curries and chutneys. Usually bought in a bunch, coriander either wilts or turns to mush faster than you can plan making a recipe and we often end up making a bowl of chutney. Here are 5 easy ways to cook with coriander to start with and one can than play with its robust flavor and add to sauces, breads, meatballs and much more.

Lemon Coriander Soup

Enjoy a healthy soup that has the wonderful zing of lemons & aromatic coriander. Saute 1 tsp finely chopped garlic and one chopped green chili in 1 tsp oil. Add 1/2 cup chopped onions and fry till translucent. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots & finely chopped cabbage and saute. Add 3 cups vegetable stock, a little lemon juice and salt to taste. Make a thick paste with 1 tsp cornflour and little water. Add to the soup. Stir well. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped coriander & bring to a boil. Serve hot.

Coriander Onion Paratha

Parathas make for a healthy breakfast item or a great lunch. These coriander onion parathas are a good twist to regular parathas. Take two cups whole wheat flour. Add one finely chopped onion, 1 cup chopped coriander, green chili paste, a few crushed peppercorns, salt and a little oil. Knead dough with enough water and keep aside for 10-15 minutes. Roll into parathas and roast on both sides till golden. Serve hot.

Dhania Chicken

A delicious aromatic curry, Dhania chicken is easy to make and requires liberal use of coriander. Marinate 500 gms chicken pieces with a little salt, turmeric and oil. Heat 1 tsp oil in a kadhai and fry one chopped onion and 2-3 green chilies slit lengthwise till soft. Add chicken pieces and let them cook evenly for 5-10 minutes. Add one chopped tomato, coriander powder, cumin powder & garam masala to taste. Grind a small bunch of coriander along with some mint leaves to a fine paste. Mix the paste with 2 tsp yogurt & add to the chicken. Add salt to taste and some water. Cook till done. Serve garnished with freshly chopped coriander.

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Coriander Onion Rice

Bored of plain rice? Try this delicious Coriander Onion Rice instead. Heat 1 tsp oil in a kadhai & add little jeera (cumin seeds). Once they splutter, add one finely chopped garlic and fry till golden. Add one chopped onion, little grated ginger and fry till soft. Add 3 cups boiled rice, salt & chili powder to taste. Add one cup finely chopped coriander & mix well. Serve hot.

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Kothimbir Vadi

A very popular Maharashtrian snack, Kothimbir Vadi is made with besan (bengal gram flour), coriander and Indian spices. To one cup besan, add finely chopped coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt as per taste and one tbsp tamarind pulp. Mix well with enough water to form a thick paste. Heat some oil in a kadhai, and add the paste and cook while constantly stirring to avoid lumps for around 10-15 minutes. Grease a round plate with oil and pour the cooked mixture and spread. Cut into squares and shallow fry in oil till golden on both sides. Serve with coriander chutney.

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