Mei Lin Zhang
Coriander is the common name used for Coriandrum sativum. The spice has a fresh, sweetened citrusy taste and is widely used in continental and seafood across the world. It not only makes the food more delicious to eat, but its aromatic odor makes you hungry and increases the cravings for the food. Besides its ability to enhance the taste of the food, it has a number of beneficial effects on health. It acts as a stimulant for gastrointestinal secretion and eases the digestion process. The presence of calcium and phosphorus in coriander gives strength to bones and teeth.
Ground coriander can be easily prepared by crushing the seeds of coriander in a pestle with mortar. There are a variety of substitutes available for ground coriander. These substitutes can be used to achieve a similar flavor, and they work quite well, albeit the accurate taste is hard to achieve with any substitute. Now, let’s take a look at the substitutes:
1. Cumin Seeds
Cumin belongs to the same family as coriander and is a good substitute for ground coriander. It is easily available and can provide the taste and health benefits akin to coriander. The warmth and earthy flavor of cumin work well, although it may lack the citrus touch to it. It should be used in fewer amounts keeping its bitter taste in mind, unlike coriander. The addition of cumin instead of coriander largely depends on the type of cuisine. Here are the health benefits of Cumin seeds:
- It controls blood sugar and cholesterol
- It promotes digestion
- Cumin seeds offer protection against food-borne infections.
Summary:
When preparing your continental dishes, ground coriander is a great spice. But in its absence, you can lay hands on cumin seeds. While using cumin seeds, it is advisable to use fewer amounts. It is a great replacement, but it is bitter, and it lacks the citrus touch.
2. Garam Masala
Garam masala is widely used in the Asian Continent upon which the gourmets love to put their hand for making tasty and mouth-watering food. It contains a variety of spices mixed together like black pepper, coriander, cardamom, cloves, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. The earthy taste of all the spices in Garam Masala is different from pure ground coriander but is an acceptable substitute. To achieve the coriander-like taste, this replacement requires Garam Masala to be used in a slight quantity. Here are the benefits of Garam Masala:
- It is a digestion and metabolism booster
- It contains antioxidants to fight skin problems
- It can curb bad breath.
Summary:
You can use Garam masala in lieu of ground coriander. Garam Masala offers a slightly different spice, and it is advisable to use it in a smaller quantity.
3. Caraway
Caraway is probably the closest of all substitutes in taste to coriander. The aromatic odor and earthy taste of the spice fulfill the need of coriander. It possesses the same oils like coriander, making it the ideal replacement for coriander. Caraway finds its way in Indian cuisine and should be used in the same amounts as coriander. It can be useful in a wide variety of recipes. Except for the accessibility and high price, it may not be called for in recipes. Here are the health benefits of Caraway:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties
- It solves problems of indigestion
- It promotes weight-loss
Summary:
Caraway has a near-similar taste to coriander and is a perfect substitute for ground coriander. It should be used in the same amount as coriander.
Fennel, curry powder, clove powder, and oregano leaf are among the other substitutes that can be used for coriander. The exact amount of each substitute varies for its different ingredients, but almost all of them form a coriander-like taste. When coriander is out of stock or people do not seem to be a fan of coriander in food, having any substitute makes the task of food preparation easier. The wide range of health benefits of coriander and its substitutes makes them necessary spices in every kitchen.
Summary Table
| Substitute | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Used In | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds | Earthy, Warm, Nutty | Whole seeds | Indian, Middle Eastern Dishes | Spice |
| Garam Masala | Warm, Complex, Spicy | Ground powder | Indian Curries, Stews | Spice Blend |
| Caraway | Anise-like, Earthy | Seeds | Breads, Sauerkraut | Spice |
FAQs
What is the closest spice to ground coriander?
The closest spice to ground coriander is ground cumin. While they have distinct flavors, they belong to the same plant family and share similar aromatic notes.
What is the same as ground coriander?
Ground coriander is made from coriander seeds. So, whole coriander seeds that are crushed or ground can be considered the same as ground coriander.
Is ground coriander similar to ground cumin?
Ground coriander and ground cumin are related spices with some similarities in flavor profile, but they also have distinct differences. Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor, while ground cumin has a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor.
Can I substitute cilantro for coriander?
Cilantro and coriander are different parts of the same plant. Cilantro refers to the leaves and stems, while coriander refers to the seeds. They have distinct flavors, so they cannot be directly substituted for each other. If you need a substitute for ground coriander, consider using ground cumin, which shares some aromatic characteristics.
