Winter is around the corner, and it’s that time of the year, when the change of season call for boosting up immunity and metabolic health to sustain the harshness of weather and seasonal infections. Interestingly, it is also the time when in most Indian households leafy greens like fenugreek are made in abundance so much so that from snacks to curries to chips, these leafy greens are naturally packed with nutrients that make it a perfect ingredient to add to the desi delights. Here are some delicious and unique ways to include methi leaves in Indian meals, each adding a special twist to traditional dishes.
What is fenugreek?
Methi, also known as fenugreek and is a winter staple ingredient in most Indian households that is known for its unique slightly bitter flavor and medicinal benefits. In fact, around 100 grams of methi leaves, there are approximately 323 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates (58 g), proteins (23 g), and healthy fats (6.4 g). They are an excellent source of dietary fiber (about 25 g), which supports digestion and gut health. Methi is rich in important minerals like iron (around 34 mg), calcium (176 mg), magnesium (191 mg), potassium (770 mg), phosphorus (296 mg), zinc (2.5 mg), and manganese ( 1.23 mg), which together support bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular wellness. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, and Vitamin C that contribute to overall metabolic functions and antioxidant protection. Here are some simple recipes that can be made with methi and are worth trying!
Lahsooni Methi
This comforting dish is methi leaves sautéed with garlic and cooked in a creamy peanut-sesame-roasted gram dal paste. The use of garlic mellows the bitterness of the methi while the nutty paste adds richness, making it ideal for winter meals.
Fenugreek pasta
To make fenugreek pasta, boil your favorite pasta and keep aside. Then sauté chopped methi leaves with onions, carrots, cumin, turmeric, chili, and garam masala in oil, and mix them with sautéed methi and spices, add in the cooked pasta along with tomato sauce, season well, and enjoy a desi style pasta at home.
Fenugreek patra
To make this dish, finely chop fresh methi leaves and mix them with besan (gram flour), tamarind paste, jaggery, and spices to create a thick batter. Spread the batter thinly on a greased plate, steam it until cooked, then cut into pieces and shallow fry or temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Methi Matar Malai
This delicious and luscious curry can be made by combining methi leaves and green peas in a smooth cashew cream gravy. The mild sweetness of peas and cream balances the methi’s aroma, which is perfect for festive occasions or dinners.
Methi Paratha
An everyday favorite where finely chopped methi is kneaded into whole wheat dough, spiced lightly, and rolled into flatbreads. These parathas taste wonderfully with yogurt or pickles for a wholesome meal.
Methi Dal
Methi Dal is a nutritious dal, which is made with methi leaves, tomatoes, and mild spices. This dal is not only easy to digest but also packed with vitamins and fiber, which can easily fit into a balanced healthy diet.
Methi Poori
This is an interesting twist to regular pooris and can be made by kneading methi leaves with spices and flour. This dough is then made into small pooris and deep fried to perfection. These pooris can be enjoyed with Aloo Sabzi.
Methi Rice
Aromatic basmati rice cooked with sautéed methi leaves, cumin, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. This one-pot dish is both nutritious and easy to prepare for busy days.
Aloo Methi
A simple yet flavorful stir-fry where potatoes and methi leaves are cooked with basic spices. The earthiness of potatoes complements the slightly bitter methi, creating a beloved home-style dish.
Methi Salad
This salad can be made by combining raw methi leaves with onions, roasted peanuts, tempering of mustard and cumin seeds, and a hint of lemon juice. It offers a crunchy, herbal, and tangy experience, great as a healthy side or appetizer.
What is fenugreek?
Methi, also known as fenugreek and is a winter staple ingredient in most Indian households that is known for its unique slightly bitter flavor and medicinal benefits. In fact, around 100 grams of methi leaves, there are approximately 323 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates (58 g), proteins (23 g), and healthy fats (6.4 g). They are an excellent source of dietary fiber (about 25 g), which supports digestion and gut health. Methi is rich in important minerals like iron (around 34 mg), calcium (176 mg), magnesium (191 mg), potassium (770 mg), phosphorus (296 mg), zinc (2.5 mg), and manganese ( 1.23 mg), which together support bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular wellness. It also contains vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, and Vitamin C that contribute to overall metabolic functions and antioxidant protection. Here are some simple recipes that can be made with methi and are worth trying!
Lahsooni Methi
This comforting dish is methi leaves sautéed with garlic and cooked in a creamy peanut-sesame-roasted gram dal paste. The use of garlic mellows the bitterness of the methi while the nutty paste adds richness, making it ideal for winter meals.
Fenugreek pasta
To make fenugreek pasta, boil your favorite pasta and keep aside. Then sauté chopped methi leaves with onions, carrots, cumin, turmeric, chili, and garam masala in oil, and mix them with sautéed methi and spices, add in the cooked pasta along with tomato sauce, season well, and enjoy a desi style pasta at home.
Fenugreek patra
To make this dish, finely chop fresh methi leaves and mix them with besan (gram flour), tamarind paste, jaggery, and spices to create a thick batter. Spread the batter thinly on a greased plate, steam it until cooked, then cut into pieces and shallow fry or temper with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Methi Matar Malai
This delicious and luscious curry can be made by combining methi leaves and green peas in a smooth cashew cream gravy. The mild sweetness of peas and cream balances the methi’s aroma, which is perfect for festive occasions or dinners.
Methi Paratha
An everyday favorite where finely chopped methi is kneaded into whole wheat dough, spiced lightly, and rolled into flatbreads. These parathas taste wonderfully with yogurt or pickles for a wholesome meal.
Methi Dal
Methi Dal is a nutritious dal, which is made with methi leaves, tomatoes, and mild spices. This dal is not only easy to digest but also packed with vitamins and fiber, which can easily fit into a balanced healthy diet.
Methi Poori
This is an interesting twist to regular pooris and can be made by kneading methi leaves with spices and flour. This dough is then made into small pooris and deep fried to perfection. These pooris can be enjoyed with Aloo Sabzi.
Methi Rice
Aromatic basmati rice cooked with sautéed methi leaves, cumin, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. This one-pot dish is both nutritious and easy to prepare for busy days.
Aloo Methi
A simple yet flavorful stir-fry where potatoes and methi leaves are cooked with basic spices. The earthiness of potatoes complements the slightly bitter methi, creating a beloved home-style dish.
Methi Salad
This salad can be made by combining raw methi leaves with onions, roasted peanuts, tempering of mustard and cumin seeds, and a hint of lemon juice. It offers a crunchy, herbal, and tangy experience, great as a healthy side or appetizer.
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