A fresh sprig of coriander is so versatile and delicious!
I have always found it difficult to differentiate between the various types of green leafy herbs available in the market.
For whatever reason, I can’t seem to see the physical differences between basil, thyme, coriander or mint. The taste, on the other hand, is something I definitely do appreciate. Coriander stands out not just for its taste, but also for its various health benefits. Coriander can be used in several forms: dried or fresh, with just the leaves, or with the seeds as well. A common herb in the Middle East and parts of Asia, it is a great addition to cooking since it contains antioxidants that can delay food from spoiling if not prevent it completely. Coriander should be used with care, though, since some people can be allergic to it.
The health benefits of coriander are actually surprising, so it is great to discover that it is so easy to use in the kitchen. One of the most refreshing and quickest dishes is a coriander-tomato salad. There are many ways to use tomatoes, but this is one of the tastiest salads.
It takes only a few minutes to prepare and adding more salads to your diet is always a great idea.
Ingredients:
500g Baby tomato
several sprigs of coriander
3 cloves of garlic
half a lemon squeezed
a dash of oil
salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Wash and cut the baby tomatoes in half
- Take the leaves of the coriander off the stalk and chop them fine
- Finely chop the garlic as well and add to the mixture
- Squeeze the lemon and then add oil
- Add salt and pepper last, they enhance the flavour but shouldn’t overpower
Although it sounds like a lot, this will actually make up a relatively small bowl of salad, so once you have tried it out, be prepared to make at least double this recipe for a meal with 6 or more people.
As you are preparing it, you can add more or less of the coriander and garlic as you choose. The coriander is meant to enhance the flavour of the tomato with the garlic providing a nice bite. If you love spicy food, you might want to up the dosage of garlic.
Either way, once you have tried out the basic recipe, this salad will be a welcome addition to your table, especially since it is so quick to prepare. It is perfect for summer, being light and refreshing as well as a welcome change from regular green salad.
Read more on summer specials:
Recipe: A Low Sugar, Smooth Ice Cream Fit for Summer Days
Enjoy a Summer Feast in the Middle East with 7 Creative Recipe Ideas
Author: Naomi Ben-David
Naomi interned at Green Prophet during the summer of 2010. She grew up in Australia with a chiropractor mom who introduced her to various forms of alternative medicine. Her mother was forever pointing out the healthy food choices in the supermarket, or attempted to make it from scratch at home in order to avoid the preservatives and additives in the food. Naomi’s mother’s influence has stayed with her, impacting the food and medical choices she makes to this day. She is currently pursuing a career in writing.
