Cilantro inspiration - - What are you growing this season?
Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
by Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2002
What is it?
Cilantro is the green leaves and stems of the coriander plant. It has
a pungent flavor that cannot be duplicated in its dried form.
Where did it originate from?
Cilantro has been around for centuries, but is usually seen in Asian,
Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
Other Names
In Great Britain, cilantro is known as fresh coriander, whereas in
the United States, coriander (in cooking) relates to the seeds.
Storage
Fresh herbs should be carefully washed then wrapped in a damp paper
towel, then placed in a plastic bag and stored in the butter
compartment of the refrigerator for a week.
Dried herbs will only maintain freshness for 6 months to a year, so
the smallest possible sized container should be bought if any
particular herb is not used often.
Tips
Choose leaves that have a bright green color and no signs of wilting.
Despite it coming from the coriander plant, it cannot be used
interchangeably. Coriander are the seeds to the coriander plant.
Serve with:
avocado, dried beans, chicken, turkey, chili, corn, cucumber, salad
greens, tomatoes.
Recipe
Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad
1 pound dry rigatoni or other small pasta shape
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves -- loosely packed, washed
2 cloves garlic -- crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup sliced black olives
Salt and freshly ground pepper -- to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain well. Meanwhile,
blend oil, cilantro, garlic and oregano in blender container. Toss
pasta with dressing; toss in pine nuts and olives; season to taste
with salt and pepper. Cover and let sit at room temperature up to 2
hours or cover and refrigerate. Toss again before serving.
About the Author:
Jennifer Wickes is the editor and writer at "Seasonal Cooking". To
visit her site, go to:
groups.yahoo.com/group/SeasonalCooking/
