If you are a fan of green vegetables, then we are sure Fenugreek must be one of your favourites. Also known as methi, this herb is similar to clover (tipatiya ghaas) and offers a unique flavour and aroma to a wide range of dishes. The best part is that you can consume its leaves fresh, dried, lightly fried or crushed, and each imparts a different flavour to your dish. For example, raw fenugreek gives nutty, bitter and slightly sweet notes, while dried fenugreek leaves, also known as kasuri methi, are bitter. However, there are times when you won’t find this herb on your kitchen shelves. But fret not, we have combined a list of five fantastic alternatives to fenugreek leaves.
Also Read: Fenugreek Seeds: Here’s How Eating Soaked or Sprouted Methi Dana will Benefit Your Health
Spinach is an excellent alternative to fenugreek leaves.
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Here Are 5 Substitutes For Fenugreek Leaves
1. Spinach
Extremely versatile leafy green, spinach can effortlessly replace fenugreek leaves in various recipes. While it lacks the slight bitterness provided by fenugreek, spinach brings a similar vibrant green colour and unique flavour profile to the dishes. Substituting fenugreek with spinach in dishes can not just enhance the flavour of your dishes but also give them a nutritional boost.
2. Dried Fenugreek (Kasuri Methi)
When you are out of methi, why not just replace it with dried fenugreek or kasuri methi? These are hugely popular in India and are used in everything, from curries to chutneys to pickles. Kasuri methi is a lot more potent than fresh fenugreek since it has a stronger taste and aroma. Only one-third of the amount of fresh fenugreek can do wonders for your dishes.
3. Curry Leaves
A great substitute for dried fenugreek leaves, curry leaves offer a combination of citrusy, grassy, and burnt sulfur-like aromas that are perfect for Indian dishes. Curry leaves have a texture similar to that of fenugreek leaves but the taste is slightly different. It is easy to incorporate them into your meals like curries and gravies. The best way to have this distinct flavour in your dish, when you are out of fenugreek, is to slightly fry them in oil before adding them to your dishes.
Curry leaves have a similar texture to fenugreek but taste different.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Dried Basil
While dried basil has a completely different flavour from methi, it can work as a great substitute. Dried basil or tulsi can add a similar herbal and slightly bitter taste to your dishes. It pairs well with several cuisines and its aromatic freshness can be added to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes.
5. Fenugreek Seeds
Just like dried fenugreek (kasuri methi), fenugreek seeds can work as a substitute for fenugreek since they are derived from the plant itself. Adding some ground fenugreek seeds to the dish when you are cooking will give it an earthy complex flavour without the herby aromatics. The seeds can also be soaked to reduce bitterness or toasted to add sweetness and flavour. The seeds offer a stronger flavour so make sure to use them in control.
Also Read: 6 Fenugreek Side Effects That You Should Know About
Do you like using fenugreek leaves in your dishes? Let us know in the comments below!