Coriander is a fragrant spice that is widely used in various cuisines. It is a member of the Parsley family and is endemic to the Middle East and Mediterranean areas. Coriander leaves are called cilantro in certain areas of the globe and Chinese parsley in others.

Additionally, some individuals enjoy garlic so much that they can’t eat a meal without it, while others find it so strong that they can’t stomach it. If you fall into the latter type, here are five excellent coriander replacements.

Recommended Coriander Substitutes

1.  Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are a popular replacement for coriander since they are closely related. They have a nutty, bittersweet taste with citrus and anise undertones, nearly like coriander, and a pungent, stimulating, peppery scent, almost like cumin.

Caraway seeds are high in antioxidants and high in natural essential oils. As a consequence, they are ideal for culinary and medicinal uses, and they offer several health advantages. They are high in dietary fiber and assist digestion, for example.

Caraway seeds are the most popular portion of the caraway plant, however the whole plant may be cooked. The leaves may be used as a herb like parsley, and the roots can be cooked like carrots. Caraway seeds are often used in soups, rye and brown bread, stews, and even sausage cooking.

How to Use Caraway Seeds as a Coriander Substitute

Caraway seeds are offered in whole or ground form. Whole caraway seeds are a fantastic alternative, but they provide a gritty aspect to your meal. But, crushed caraway seeds are the ideal approach to utilize as a coriander alternative.

Nevertheless, ground caraway is more strong and should be replaced for coriander in a 1:1 ratio. If you don’t like coriander or want to try something else but with a similar taste, you can purchase whole and ground caraway seeds at grocery shops.

Also see: Caraway Seed Replacement

2.  Cumin

Cumin is one of the greatest coriander substitutes available. It is an ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern spice. Cumin was used as a spice and as one of the compounds used to preserve mummies in Egypt.

It is manufactured from the dried seeds of the Cuminum Cyminum plant, which is related to parsley. Cumin seeds look similar to caraway seeds but have significant color variations. Cumin comes in three varieties: black, green, and white.

Cumin generally includes 7.88 calories, 0.37 grams of protein, 0.93 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.47 grams of fat. It also contains a lot of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Cumin’s health advantages include lower cholesterol, enhanced memory, less stress, and even aids in diabetes control due to its high antioxidant and iron content.

How to substitute Coriander with Cumin

Cumin, like the majority of the coriander alternatives on our list, is available as whole seeds or powdered powder. It is used differently in various cultures. Cumin, for example, is used whole seeds in Indian recipes but powdered cumin in Mexican cultures.

Cumin, being a member of the parsley family, has a smoky, smokey, nutty taste that is practically identical to coriander. To replace coriander with cumin without spoiling your food, just add a pinch to whatever you’re making. Add black cumin for an even more flavorful meal, but add it carefully while stirring.

Can’t seem to locate cumin? See the suggested cumin replacement.

3.  Basil

Fresh coriander and ground coriander have distinct flavors. Although the choices listed above are excellent coriander substitutes, basil is the best coriander substitute if you want that fresh coriander taste.

Basil is one of the world’s oldest herbs. It is a member of the mint family and has several therapeutic and health advantages, which is why it is often utilized in spiritual ceremonies. Basil, for example, is thought to be a sign of Goddess Vrinda in Hinduism. As a consequence, millions of Hindus throughout the world utilize the plant in their rituals.

Basil is high in antioxidants and is often used to minimize oxidative stress, which improves the user’s general well-being. Basil also has the following health benefits:

• Promotes liver health
• Defends against aging
• Better digestion is made possible by
• Lowers high blood sugar levels
• Encourages cardiovascular health

How to Use Basil as Coriander Substitution

Fresh basil is not as powerful as pulverized basil, particularly when used directly from the plant. As a result, you may use it in spaghetti, pour it over salads, add it to sandwiches, or garnish meals with it to your liking. Basil works nicely with Asian and Italian foods because to its bright, minty, nutty taste that is virtually identical to coriander.

4.  Curry Powder

Curry powder, like caraway seeds, is a spice mainstay in most spice recipes. Its deep orange color makes it very popular in Indian and Asian recipes. Curry powder is a turmeric-based spice combination that also contains cumin, ginger, and coriander.

It’s worth noting that curry powder contents differ by region, with some incorporating chili powder and powdered cumin. For an extra tart flavor, some cultures add pulverized lime leaves. It has a spicy taste in general and is particularly good for soups and dish marinades.

Curry powder, like the majority of the coriander substitutes on our list, provides several health advantages. It has been shown to lower inflammation, improve bone health, and even battle Alzheimer’s disease.

Substituting Coriander with Curry Powder

Curry powder, since it includes coriander, is a good coriander alternative if you want a less-overpowering coriander taste. When replacing it for coriander, take in mind that it is a spice mix, and a little goes a long way. Curry powder adds a bright orange color to your foods due to the presence of turmeric, making them seem even more appetizing.

5.  Garam Masala

If you want to use a blended spice as a replacement for coriander but don’t want turmeric in your meal, garam masala is a great option. It is a popular spice mix in Indian cooking.

Garam masala translates to “warming spice.” It indicates that the majority, if not all, of its contents assist to increase metabolism and warm the body. This spice may comprise pulverized coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin, mace, cinnamon, and cardamom pods, depending on the brand.

While there is no one recipe for garam masala, the spice combination has its origins in Northern India, where the harsh winters necessitated the use of foods and drinks with metabolism-boosting characteristics. The fundamental distinction between garam masala and curry powder is that the former lacks turmeric.

Cooking with Garam Masala instead of Coriander

Garam masala has a warm, sweet flavor with floral undertones and black pepper hints. Garam masala is mild and aromatic in various parts of Northern India. It is hotter in other places, such as Southern India. Because of spices like coriander and cardamom, certain garam masala versions have a sweet and tangy taste.

Garam masala, as a spice combination, is best used in tiny quantities, particularly if replacing it for coriander.

Gently add little quantities while stirring until it has that amazing coriander flavor with hints of other spice components. For optimal results, use it as a finishing seasoning, adding it to your meal just before it’s finished.

Garam masala for coriander replacement may be found in the spice department of any well-stocked grocery shop or supermarket. Consider shopping at Indian grocery stores for authentic garam masala. This spice combination goes well with foods like chicken tikka and butter chicken.

Other Great Coriander Alternatives

Apart from the five spices mentioned above, the following also make excellent coriander substitutes:

• Dill
• Chervil
• Seeds of fennel
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Lovage
• Leaves of cilantro
• Sage
• Celery
• Eryngium foetidum is a kind of fern.

Happy Coriander-free Cooking

Coriander is one of the most adaptable fragrant spices available. It offers several health advantages, including decreasing blood sugar levels, enhancing heart health, assisting digestion, and increasing the immune system.

Yet, not everyone agrees. Even aficionados may be annoyed by its overbearing flavor at times. However, you don’t have to give it up entirely since, as seen above, there are other spices that may be substituted for coriander.

The taste will not be identical, but each of the coriander alternatives listed above will produce a distinct, distinct flavor that is virtually identical to coriander but not as powerful. That being said, enjoy a pleasant coriander-free cooking experience.