Cilantro (Coriander) Salt Recipe

1. Unless you grow your own and can pick just what you need, you may find yourself wasting both food and money by throwing out past-its-prime cilantro. This herb salt is an easy way to make use of leftover fresh cilantro.

2. The amounts given are for 1/2 cup of cilantro salt, but you can multiply the amount so long as you stick to the ratio of 4 parts finely chopped, loosely packed cilantro to 1 part salt.

3. Cilantro is notorious for having dirt clinging to it. Wash the cilantro well by holding the stem end of a bunch and swishing it in a large bowl or sink full of cold water. Repeat with clean water until grit no longer appears on the bottom. Pat the bunch of cilantro mostly dry between paper towels or a clean dish towel.

4. Finely chop (mince) the fresh cilantro. A food processor comes in handy for this.

5. Measure the cilantro after it is chopped. For every 4 parts of loosely packed fresh, finely chopped herb add 1 part kosher or other non-iodized salt (iodized salt could discolor the herb salt). Stir until well combined.

6. Pack into a clean glass jar, cover, and store in the refrigerator.

7. To use, leave out any other salt called for in the recipe you are making. Add to sauces instead of plain salt. Make a simple but delicious dip by adding 3/4 teaspoon of cilantro salt plus 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt to 1 1/2 cups of sour cream, creme fraiche, yogurt, or labneh.

Tip: The same 4 to 1 ratio of fresh ingredients to salt can be used to create other wonderful herbal salts with herbs that don't dry well, such as cilantro, basil, chives, parsley, and rosemary.