If you regularly make Indian dishes at home, you’ll need to have coriander powder somewhere in your kitchen!
Also known as dhaniya powder, coriander powder is a staple Indian ingredient that adds a fresh touch to several recipes. It helps make vegetable, meat, and rice dishes taste invigorating and refreshing.
Coriander powder is also used in several spice mixes, like garam masala, ras el hangout, and baharat. This powder has a slight sweetness that enhances the spices’ savory notes.
You can find coriander powder sold in stores, but many people prefer homemade versions, as they taste cleaner and are made without additives.
Fortunately, making homemade coriander powder at home is relatively easy. You’ll discover how to do this in this post.
Making Coriander Powder: Method
Now that you know some more about coriander powder, here’s a guide on how to make the powder at home yourself.
Step One: Preparation
Gather your coriander seeds and look through them to remove any debris or stones hiding in the bag.
Take a small amount of seeds out of the bag. Between half and one cup of seeds is enough.
Don’t take a large amount of seeds, as the powder’s fragrance will deteriorate over time. Most recipes call for a small amount of coriander powder, so unless you’re making large batches, it’ll take a long time to use up all of the powder.
Step Two, Choice One: Sun Drying
Sprinkle the coriander seeds across a wide plate or tray, then dry the seeds for one to two days.
If you choose this option, remember to place a fine mesh lid or thin muslin on the tray to keep any dust clear.
Step Two, Choice Two: Pan Roasting
The other option is to roast the coriander seeds in a pan instead of sun-drying them. This may be preferable if you live in a colder climate or need to make coriander powder quickly.
As the seeds roast, they’ll free oils that darken the seeds and increase their bold flavors. This also removes any residual moisture from the seeds, which helps increase their lifespan.
Follow these steps to pan-roast your coriander seeds:
Roast the coriander seeds in a heavy-bottomed pan. Thin-bottomed pans are prone to hot spots, which can burn the seeds.
Once you’ve transferred the seeds to the pan, place your pan on a medium heat. Stir the contents frequently to roast the seeds evenly.
Keep monitoring the seeds for a distinct aroma or any color changes. After you notice these two characteristics, turn the heat off and place the seeds on a dry plate so they cool down.
Step Three: Grinding
After your roasted or sun-dried coriander seeds have cooled down to room temperature, pour them into a mixer-grinder or spice-grinder.
Use the appliance to grind the seeds into a fine powder.
Step Four: Storing
After you’ve made your coriander powder, you’ll need to store it properly to maximize its life span.
Transfer the powder to a dry, clean, airtight container, like a glass jar. Secure the container and keep it in a cool, dry location.
Aim to use the powder within three months for best results.
Tips To Make The Best Coriander Powder
Here are some tips to help you when you next make homemade coriander powder.
Before you decide to make a spice blend or spice powder, always use high-quality spices. In the case of coriander powder, only use fresh, good-quality coriander seeds that are in date.
If you buy them from a specialty store, you may be able to smell the contents to see if they have spoiled. If the seeds smell fresh, bright, and like coriander, they’ll be ready to use.
Always dry or roast coriander seeds before you try to make a powder with them. This will release any oils from the spices so they taste strong and bright. Both methods also remove moisture from the spices, so they have a longer life span.
If you pan-roast the coriander seeds, always use a heavy-bottomed pan and medium heat. Coriander seeds burn quickly, so avoid high temperatures and thinner pans. Stir the seeds as you go so they roast evenly.
Make sure your roasted or dried coriander seeds have cooled fully before you begin grinding. If they haven’t cooled down completely, the seeds can free any residual moisture, which affects their shelf life later on.
Once you’ve made your coriander powder, transfer it to an airtight container in a dry, cool location. You can also keep the powder in your refrigerator as long as the container is secured and airtight.
The powder will stay edible for around six months, but we’d recommend using it within three months for the best taste results.
Only remove coriander powder from its container with a dry, clean spoon. Water from wet spoons can affect the powder, increasing the chance of mold or fungi within it.
How To Use Coriander Powder
Ground coriander powder has a nutty, warm, and citrusy flavor, which is different from the original plant’s earth-like notes.
The difference between the two is the powder’s fine texture, so keep this in mind before you add the powder to your recipes.
Ground coriander works well in recipes where you want the spice to add flavor instead of texture. Doughs, soups, drinks, batters, and marinades are great examples.
On the other hand, whole coriander seeds work better in chunky stews, dals, or thicker sauces, as they give these dishes more consistency.
Buying Coriander Seeds
You can find whole coriander seeds in your grocery store’s spice aisle. If you’re struggling to find them, look at smaller Indian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, or North African cuisine stores.
You can also find coriander seeds available online, both in bulk and in smaller quantities.
Ground coriander powder is also available in the spice aisle of typical grocery stores, but keep in mind that these may be made with additives, depending on the manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
Coriander powder is a fantastic ingredient that helps give dishes nutty, citrus-like, and slightly sweet flavors.
You can buy coriander powder separately, but making it at home ensures that the powder is free from any additives and sugars.
It’s easy to make coriander powder from coriander seeds, but remember to keep watching the seeds as they roast.
Coriander seeds burn easily, so monitor them as you go and avoid treating them with high temperatures.
We hope you enjoy using your new homemade coriander powder!
