Key facts
| Hindi name | Dhania |
|---|---|
| Also called | Sabut dhania, dhaniya |
| Flavour | Mild, citrusy and slightly sweet. It rounds out stronger spices rather than standing out. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Whole seeds, ground |
| Stays fresh | Whole: 1 year, ground: 3 months · check your jars |
| Best substitute | A mix of a little cumin and a pinch of fennel gives a similar warmth. Fresh coriander leaves are a different flavour and not a substitute. |
| Used in | 13 of our blends and 14 of our dishes |
How to use it
Ground coriander is the bulk of most curry bases, often used in larger quantities than any other spice. Whole seeds are roasted for sambar, rasam and garam masala.
- Roast whole seeds gently until they smell like orange peel, then grind for a fresher powder.
- Ground coriander burns quickly; add it with a splash of water or after the onions and tomatoes.
- Use it generously: two to three times as much as cumin is common in North Indian gravies.
Substitute
A mix of a little cumin and a pinch of fennel gives a similar warmth. Fresh coriander leaves are a different flavour and not a substitute.
Storage
Whole seeds keep for about a year; ground coriander loses its citrus notes within a few months.
Coriander seeds and coriander leaves come from the same plant but taste completely different.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use coriander seed
Blends with coriander seed
Garam masala (Punjabi style)
North India
The best-known Indian spice mix: warm, aromatic and only mildly hot. Every household has its own version; thi…
Tandoori masala
North India
A brick-red blend made for marinades; the colour comes from Kashmiri chilli rather than heat.
Sambar powder
South India
The roasted spice blend that gives sambar its depth: coriander-heavy, with lentils for body.
Biryani masala
Hyderabad and Lucknow
A fragrant blend with more floral spices than garam masala: mace, nutmeg, star anise and rose.
Chettinad masala
Tamil Nadu
A peppery, aromatic blend from the Chettinad region, with stone flower and kapok buds.
Curry powder (British-Indian style)
Britain
Curry powder is a British invention: Indian cooks rarely use one blend for everything, but it is handy and wi…
Frequently asked questions
What is coriander seed called in Hindi?
Dhania. Also known as Sabut dhania, dhaniya.
What can I use instead of coriander seed?
A mix of a little cumin and a pinch of fennel gives a similar warmth. Fresh coriander leaves are a different flavour and not a substitute.
How long does coriander seed keep?
Whole seeds keep for about a year; ground coriander loses its citrus notes within a few months.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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