Cilantro is a versatile herb that has been used in cooking for centuries. Its unique flavor and aroma have made it a popular ingredient in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. However, if you’ve found yourself with an abundance of cilantro and you’re not sure what to do with it, don’t worry! There are many ways to use this herb in your cooking and beyond.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use up your cilantro stash. From making cilantro pesto to pickling cilantro stems, we’ll provide you with some fresh ideas that will help you make the most of this flavorful herb. So, whether you’re a cilantro lover or just looking for ways to use up your excess herbs, read on to discover what you can do with a lot of cilantro.
Delicious Dishes to Whip Up Using Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is a beloved herb known for adding a unique and refreshing flavor to dishes. If you find yourself with a lot of cilantro, don’t let it go to waste. Instead, discover the many delicious dishes you can whip up using fresh cilantro.
One popular cilantro dish is guacamole, a Mexican dip made of mashed avocado mixed with chopped cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, and tomato. Another Mexican dish is pico de gallo, a salsa made from chopped tomato, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Cilantro is also a great addition to Asian cuisine, such as Thai curry, stir-fry, and noodle dishes. Adding cilantro to soups and stews, like lentil soup or chicken noodle soup, can also elevate the flavors. With fresh cilantro, the possibilities are endless.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Cilantro in Your Everyday Cooking
Cilantro is a versatile herb that can brighten up any dish with its unique flavor and aroma. Here are some creative ways to incorporate cilantro in your everyday cooking and add a refreshing twist to your meals:
1. Use cilantro as a substitute for parsley in recipes that call for it. It works great in soups, stews, and salads.
2. Add cilantro to your guacamole for a burst of fresh flavor. You can also use it as a garnish for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
3. Make a cilantro pesto by blending cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and nuts (such as pine nuts or almonds) in a food processor. This pesto is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for veggies.
4. Use cilantro in marinades for chicken or fish. Combine cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil and let your protein soak up the flavor for a few hours before grilling or baking.
5. Make a cilantro-infused butter by mixing chopped cilantro with softened butter. This butter can be used on toast, grilled corn, or baked potatoes for a delicious twist.
Health Benefits of Adding Cilantro to Your Meals
Cilantro is a flavorful herb that not only adds a fresh taste to your meals but also brings in several health benefits. One of the significant advantages of consuming cilantro is that it helps in detoxifying your body. Cilantro contains compounds that bind to heavy metals and flush them out of your system. Studies have shown that consuming cilantro can help in preserving the integrity of your liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Adding cilantro to your meals can also help in reducing inflammation in your body. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that help in managing chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease. Additionally, cilantro is a good source of antioxidants that protect your body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cancer. So next time you have a lot of cilantro sitting in your fridge, add it to your meals and reap the many health benefits it has to offer.
Cilantro-Based Sauces and Dressings You Can Easily Make at Home
Cilantro-based sauces and dressings can add an element of freshness to your meals, from fish tacos to salads and everything in between. Some popular sauce options include the classic chimichurri, a tangy green sauce made with cilantro, parsley, vinegar, and spices, often used to complement grilled meats, and salsa verde, a bright and herby sauce made with tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro. Additionally, cilantro lime dressing is a popular option for salads and bowls, made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings.
Making your own cilantro-based sauces and dressings is simple and customizable to your preferences. Blend together the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth, and adjust the seasonings to your taste preference. These sauces can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making it an easy meal-prep addition. Add a dollop to your favorite dishes for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
How to Store Cilantro to Keep It Fresh for Longer
Storing cilantro properly is essential for keeping it fresh for as long as possible. After picking up a bunch of cilantro from the grocery store or farmers’ market, rinse it under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off the excess water and pat the herb dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
Once dry, trim the stems about half an inch from the bottom. You can store cilantro in a jar or vase of water that covers the stems, like you would with flowers. Cover it loosely with a plastic bag and keep it in the fridge. Avoid squishing the leaves, as they are delicate and bruise easily. This method will keep cilantro fresh for up to two weeks, and you can change the water every other day or as needed. Alternatively, you can wrap the herb in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Keep it in the fridge and replace the paper towel every few days. With these tips, you can enjoy fresh cilantro for longer and incorporate its vibrant flavor in various dishes.
Cilantro in Different Cuisines: How to Use It in Mexican, Indian, and Asian Dishes
Cilantro is a herb that is widely used in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines. It adds a distinct flavor to dishes that cannot be replicated by any other herb. In Mexican cuisine, cilantro is used in many different dishes such as guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo. It is also used as a garnish for tacos, nachos, and soups. In Indian cuisine, cilantro is used as a garnish for curries and as an ingredient in chutneys and dips. It is also used in biryani, a popular rice dish.
In Asian cuisine, cilantro is used in soups, stir-fries, and curries. It is an ingredient in Vietnamese pho, Thai green curry, and Chinese hot and sour soup, to name a few dishes. Cilantro is also used as a garnish for noodles and rice dishes in many Asian cuisines. Incorporating cilantro into your cooking can add a burst of flavor to your dishes and can also elevate your culinary skills by exploring different types of cuisines.
Fun and Tasty Cilantro Recipes that Even the Pickiest Eaters Will Love
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb that adds a distinct flavor to dishes. If you have a surplus of cilantro, why not try some fun and tasty recipes that even the pickiest eaters will love? Here are some ideas to create delicious meals using cilantro:
Firstly, you can make cilantro pesto by blending cilantro, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This pesto can be used on pasta or as a topping on grilled chicken or fish. Secondly, you can create cilantro lime rice by cooking rice, then adding chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice. This rice can be served as a side dish or used as a filling in burritos. Lastly, you can make a cilantro lime vinaigrette by mixing cilantro, garlic, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. This dressing can be used on salads or as a marinade for grilled shrimp or chicken. With these recipes, you can use up your cilantro surplus while creating tasty and enjoyable dishes for your family or guests.
Final Verdict
In summary, there are countless ways to make use of a surplus of cilantro. Whether it’s using the herb as a garnish or in a tasty salad, there are plenty of different recipes to try. Additionally, for those who find they can’t use up their cilantro before it goes bad, there are several tricks for preserving its freshness and flavor. For example, you could freeze the cilantro in an ice cube tray with water or oil, or make a batch of cilantro pesto to enjoy even after the season has passed.
Overall, cilantro is a versatile and delicious herb that can be used in a wide range of recipes. With a little creativity, you can turn a large batch of cilantro into a tasty meal or snack that you can enjoy all week long. Whether you’re looking for new recipe ideas or just want to make the most out of your overflowing herb garden, there are plenty of different ways to use cilantro in the kitchen and beyond. So why not try something new and embrace the flavors and benefits of this tasty herb?