Coriander: My Favorite Spice

Coriander is my absolute favorite spice in the kitchen. It comes from the seeds of the cilantro plant and is very fragrant. According to my spice jar it has a "fruity, nutty flavor prized in Indian curries." My spice jar also tells me that "it's an excellent seasoning for smoked meats, sausages and pickled dishes." I agree with the description of the flavor, but I think Coriander has much wider uses than most people think. I sprinkle it on pretty much everything but my breakfast cereal. I use it when I saute vegetables, add it to pasta sauce, and I use with on duck, chicken, rabbit, fish, lamb, and beef. You could even use it in desserts!

It is a mild spice, so you can use a lot at once and combine it with other spices. For example, coriander is one of the ingredients in Moroccan spice mixes. In addition, when I make pasta, I often use a touch of whipping cream or mascarpone cheese as a sauce and I find that the flavor of coriander really enhances the dish. I've read that its even tastier when the seeds are freshly ground, but have not tried that route yet.