Using Cilantro

Using cilantro has just become second nature for me, and it isn’t just for your salsa and guacamole! I love growing cilantro in my herb garden, and I almost never have enough!

I like to grow my cilantro in pots on my porch. It does great in full sun, as long as it isn’t too hot. And if you like the spice coriander, then save your seeds and grind your own (yep coriander is the seed to the cilantro plant).

Using Cilantro

Did you know that cilantro, on top of being yummy, has a lot of health benefits? Yep, cilantro is a great source of vitamins K, A & B-9 as well as manganese. It is also wonderful for a little extra dietary fiber and may even aid in digestion. Just a few reasons to consider adding more of this awesome herb to your meals!

So how can you use cilantro?

1. Add some cropped cilantro leaves to your salads
   My sister-in-law actually turned me on to this.  Herbs are awesome ways to kick your boring salads up a notch! Cilantro will add a whole new element to your salads.
2. Cilantro-Lime Rice or Cauliflower
   If you’ve ever eaten Chipotle’s lime rice then you may already know the wonders cilantro can do for some plain white rice. But if you’re Paleo, let me tell you it does wonders for faux cauliflower rice too!
   Chipotle Copycat Rice Recipe
   Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe
3. Add it to a stir-fry
   I like to add some chopped cilantro to all my stir-fry dishes. Add it right at the end for the best flavor retention.
4. How about a Cilantro Pesto?
   Ohhhh yeah!!!! Quick and easy to make – then serve on your favorite pasta or spaghetti squash!
   Cilantro Pesto Recipe
5. Make a cilantro infused oil
   You can make a yummy cilantro infused oil that is awesome for salad dressings, bread dipping or adding a little more flavor to your meat dishes.
   Cilantro Oil
6. Dry it for later use
   Dry your cilantro bunches, then crush and store in a air-tight container.
7. Add it to your taco meat
   Use some of your fresh or dried cilantro to add flavor to your ground beef for your Taco Tuesday!
8. Juice it
   You can add a bit of cilantro to your juices and smoothies – a little goes a long way!
9. Add new life to your tuna sandwich
   A little cilantro on a tuna sandwich adds a new life to an old stand-by. I have even added a little chopped cilantro to my homemade mayo and spread it right on the bread!  DELISH!
10. Fritatta it
    Take your next fritatta south of the border with cilantro and crema. Maybe you want to add some jalapenos for some real heat. You can thank me later.

I hope these suggestions help you spice up with cilantro. Of course if you never go past using it in salsa and guacamole, I’m ok with that too.