cilantro
The fresh leaves of the coriander plant, with a bright, citrusy and slightly peppery taste.
Many larger supermarkets carry fresh cilantro, and Asian or Turkish grocers and markets reliably have it, often in bigger, cheaper bunches. It cannot stand in for coriander seed, which tastes entirely different.
Substitute:
There is no true substitute. Flat-leaf parsley, perhaps with a little lime zest, adds colour and green freshness but not cilantro's distinctive citrusy note.
Used in
Carne AsadaCitrus-marinated beef steak, seared hot and sliced thin against the grain3 hChilaquiles verdesCrisp tortilla triangles in tangy tomatillo salsa with crema and queso fresco45 minEloteGrilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise cream, cotija, chili and lime25 minEnfrijoladasCorn tortillas in a silky chipotle bean sauce with queso fresco and crema30 minEsquitesSkillet corn with lime, chili, cotija and cilantro: creamy, bright, with a kick20 minHuevos Ahogados“Drowned eggs,” gently poached in a spicy roasted tomato and chile salsa broth40 minHuevos RancherosRanch-style eggs: fried eggs on tortillas and beans with roasted tomato salsa45 minMigasSoft scrambled eggs with crispy tortilla pieces, jalapeño and roasted salsa verde40 minPozole RojoRed chile soup from Jalisco with pork, hominy and a pile of fresh toppings2,5 hSopa de limaYucatecan chicken soup with plenty of lime juice and crisp tortilla strips60 minTacos al pastorPaper-thin pork in a chile-achiote marinade with charred pineapple3 hTostadasOven-crisped corn tortillas with creamy chickpea purée, avocado and jalapeño25 min