Cooking with Culantro

by

 

Cooking with Culantro: Recipes and Tips

Introduction

Culantro, often confused with cilantro due to its similar flavor, is a tropical herb widely used in Caribbean, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. It has a stronger, more robust flavor compared to cilantro, making it a unique addition to various dishes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the culinary uses of culantro, share some delicious recipes, and provide tips for cooking with this aromatic herb.

What is Culantro?

Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) is a tropical herb with long, serrated leaves and a strong, pungent aroma. It is commonly known as “recao” in Puerto Rico, “ngo gai” in Vietnam, and “chadon beni” in Trinidad and Tobago. Culantro is often used in dishes where a strong cilantro-like flavor is desired but with a more intense and earthy profile.

Culinary Uses of Culantro

Culantro is used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.

It is typically added towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor, or used fresh in salads and garnishes.

The herb pairs well with other strong flavors and is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Tips for Cooking with Culantro

  1. Preparation: Rinse culantro leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Usage: Culantro can be used whole, chopped, or blended into pastes and sauces. It is best added towards the end of cooking to retain its flavor.
  3. Storage: Store fresh culantro leaves in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. They can last up to a week when stored this way.

Recipes with Culantro

1. Caribbean Green Seasoning

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch culantro leaves
  • 1 bunch cilantro leaves
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine culantro, cilantro, bell pepper, onion, garlic, green onions, lime juice, and vinegar.
  2. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Use as a marinade or seasoning for meats, fish, and vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Vietnamese Pho with Culantro

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 1 piece ginger, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 pound beef brisket, thinly sliced
  • 1 pack rice noodles
  • 1 bunch culantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil.
  2. Add the onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Remove the aromatics from the broth.
  4. Add the beef brisket and cook until tender.
  5. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and divide them among serving bowls.
  6. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and beef.
  7. Garnish with chopped culantro, cilantro, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños before serving.

3. Culantro Chimichurri

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch culantro leaves
  • 1 bunch parsley leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine culantro, parsley, and garlic.
  2. Blend until finely chopped.
  3. Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until well combined.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Use as a sauce for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Culantro is a versatile and aromatic herb that adds a unique flavor to a variety of dishes.

Whether you’re making a vibrant Caribbean Green Seasoning, a flavorful Vietnamese Pho, or a zesty Culantro Chimichurri, this herb will elevate your cooking.

Experiment with these recipes and tips to discover the delightful taste of culantro in your culinary creations.