I don't like Cilantro

[yummyinmytummy]

I am making an avocado/mango relish to go with a piece of seared Ahi. Several receipes call for cilantro, but I don't like it. Will the taste suffer, or can I sub-in something else.

Thanks.

[kare_raisu]

I might start another thread on this - but onthe subject of Cilantro in Mexican cuisine is it perhaps a Far East - Mexico transplant?

[MMRuth]

Do - please. I've heard it referred to as Chinese parsley.

[MMRuth]

Maybe we could just add on here:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/48812...

[chef chicklet]

please, I'm interested to hear what people know. There also mid east & Indian cuisine..corinader seeds at least? Where did it originate?

[ernieh]

I’m glad that I’m not the only one who don't like it, unfortunately I like Asian food and a lot of the menu calls for cilantro !

Bummer

[Morganna]

I've found that just leaving it out works very well for me. Both my husband and I hate cilantro, and I just never ever buy it. Once in a while, like in a salsa, I can had just a very few leaves of it, so you don't really taste the cilantro, and that works, but usually it's not worth buying it at all so I don't bother.

There's a genetic things that makes some people hate cilantro. Makes it taste like soap or pennies (I think it tastes like soap, my husband thinks it tastes like pennies). That's one reason I didn't like the pho I got at a pho shop, it just had -way too much- cilantro in it. :)

I wonder if you could ask for things to be without cilantro in a pho shop. Somehow I doubt it...

[Eat_Nopal]

Most Pho I've had in California & Hawaii is served with the Cilantro as a garnish you can choose how much you put in... along with basil, chiles, sprouts etc.,

[normalheightsfoodie]

I substituted minced chive last night in an avocado soup recipe.

[The Chowhound Team]

Forgive the interruption, but if posters want to discuss individual reactions to cilantro, please do so on the General Topics board.

Thanks!

[chef chicklet]

I am also a cilantro lover so let me get that out of the way... sorry.
Anyway, basil and mint either together or on their own is what I go for if I am out of cilantro and decide last minute to make Thai or Asian, these herbs will satisy us.

You don't have that pronounced flavor that only comes from cilantro, but the other two herbs are just as lovely especially with mango and avocado. Add a little lime too, brightens everything and for additional flavor notes...

[Karen_Schaffer]

I agree that basil and mint are both a great combo and a reasonable cilantro sub, either together or singly, depending on the dish.

[Scargod]

Made larb last night and use all three: cilantro, mint and basil. Cilantro could have been omitted, IMHO, and no harm done to exciting flavors.

[chef chicklet]

I know, I for years just didn't use mint. My loss! I buy the three every week w/o fail. I love mint now, use it sooo often in quite a few dishes. All of the herbs are wonderful fresh. But I also, when I make larb (my version) chop herbs, and cook it with the meat, lime and onions. We love it.

[dkenworthy]

Well, for those of us who adore cilantro, the taste suffers if left out. But if you hate it, it will certainly taste better without it. Like MMRuth, I would substitute Italian parsley for some "green" color and flavor if I were making it for my mother (who also hates cilantro).

[jerry i h]

Umm...beg to differ. I am in the same boat as the OP. Over the years, I have done as suggested: substitute European/Oriental herbs for the cilantro. It just never tasted "right". IMHO, you get more "authentic" taste (whatever that means...) by simply leaving out the cilantro.

[DanaB]

Follow your taste buds. Personally, I love cilantro and feel it adds a nice, bright, herbal flavor to salsas and the like. However, you could certainly make the dishes without it. Italian parsley will add color, or you could experiment with other herbs.

Btw, there are many threads on the General Board about those who like/dislike cilantro, such as this one: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/488127

[laliz]

I don't like it either. Tastes like soap. We are not alone. Lots of people don't like cilantro.

I always skip it when it is called for. I eat it only when it can't be avoided.

[Eat_Nopal]

Try Mexican Basil aka Cinammon Basil other ideas would include Epazote (very strong flavor should be lightly sauteed or sweated), Hoja Santa (or Fennel Tops if you can't find it), or Pipicha (very interesting, complex herb that ranges from pine oil to citrus & mint).

[kare_raisu]

Interested in Mex basil EN - where and how is it used?

PS> In Tj I got a a magazine called Delicias de [estado de] Tabasco - I'll bring it up - recipe for platano tortillas even!

[Eat_Nopal]

It is primarily used among the indigenous communities of Northern Mexico such as the Seri, Tarahumara, Yaqui etc., as far south as the Chichimecas. Not much has been written about their foodways... all I know is that Basil, "Oregano" and other hardy plants are the primary herbs used in those dry, windy places.. and that there are many varieties that have barely been catalogued there.

[Eat_Nopal]

Also, the time I prepared tacos of Chicken thighs marinaded in Chipotle.. and served with Roquefort Crema & Chopped Basil... that was Mexican Basil I used as its other names imply it has a nice spicy, woody flavor to it and is much less "green" than say Italian or Thai basil... probably a little closer to the basil used in Pho than say Italian basil.

[kare_raisu]

ah yes! how could i forget. is the cinnamon basil native or a spaniard intro? have you found any spanish language mentions of it on the web?

[Eat_Nopal]

I have read conflicting reports about whether its native or not. As I have sifted through the arguments it seems there are some basil like plants that are NOT related to basil that are collectively called Mexican Basil. There is also the gamut of true basil (including the sweet Italian styles, a Cinammon basil, Lemon basil etc.,) that are found around Mexico and are most certainly of old world origin. However, it seems some Basil was brought by the Spaniards, while Cinammon Basil & other varieties were really brought by the Portuguese via India.

[food_eater79]

Pipicha sounds interesting. Where can you find such an herb? I live in Central Florida.

[MMRuth]

Maybe just use some Italian parsley?

[MMRuth]

You could also add a little jalapeno to add a little zip, if needed.