So now i've got the coriander seed.....

leonie_2

What do I do next?

Following great advice about getting my plants cheap on the reduced to clear section of the supermarket, I bagged myself a lovely coriander plant earlier in the year.

I pulled off the seeds and microwaved them for 30 secs to remove any bugs or whatever and i've had them in the airing cupboard for about a week now, but are they now ready to just crush and use as needed or do I need to do anything, waiting time etc.

This really was a fabulous tip, i'm putting together a herb garden for a few pence!!

bigmuffins

My mum freezes fresh coriander seed (green round balls) and when needed for cooking takes out and crushes them in her stone mortar and pestle. Lovely fragrance and tastes fab!
Use instead of ground dried coriander in recipes. Can also use if don't have fresh (or frozen) leaves - add crushed seeds to curries before serving as fragrant garnish.
Use in chutneys - eg garlic, green chilli and coriander crushed or blitzed together with some salt. (see recipe thread)
Add to dough for chapattis/naans

leonie_2

Gosh I didnt even know you could use them green, I thought they would be bitter.

I hope I havent ruined mine then :-/ think i'll have a go at Curry-queens curry to try them out! :-)

AnnaV

It's best in recipes if you toast it (just put it in a dry pan for a few mins until it turns brown) then crush it. Mmmm I love the smell

bigmuffins

Don't worry, can use green or dried. Try some if you have any still growing,
Also easy to grow from seed - put dried seeds in bag and gently roll with rolling pin so split into two and then sow onto compost in pots/trays.
Keep away from slugs/snails - they love it too!
Can grow on window sills indoors in winter so have fresh supply.
Sometimes I buy the supermarket growing herbs if reduced to pennies and pot into bigger pot so keep growing. Use as req.

Can freeze - wash, dry on tea towel and either chop and freeze or open freeze on trays and pack into plastic bags.
Use to garnish curries before serving (sprinkle, straight from freezer, onto hot curry)
Use to make chutney/dips or salsas
Use in pakoras/bhajis

Yummmmmmmmmmmm

jaybee

I crush some in a pestle & mortar with some black peppercorns and sprinkle them over some chopped up potatoes coated in a bit of butter (or oil) and a quartered onion. Put in oven for about an hour. Good with sausages or anything that needs something with a bit of a kick with it!

leonie_2

Thanks everyone, some brilliant tips there!

I keep shaking the tub and smelling the seeds.... luuurvely!