Kasuri Methi Leaves

Fenugreek traces its origin to Europe and West Asia. Later it started getting extensively cultivated in India and Mediterranean countries as well. Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are home to this wonder crop. Kasuri Methi provides numerous health benefits and is a regular feature in vegetarian cuisine.

Kasuri Methi is mainly used in flavouring or seasoning dishes such as dals and vegetable gravies. It is a seasonal ingredient in many popular dishes all over India. It is found in pickles, salads, raitas and sometimes consumed in its green leafy form.

Due to its benefits for our skin, it is a common ingredient in soaps and other skin care products.

A good flavour of Kasuri Methi acts as a cover for bitter Ayurvedic medicines.

Due to its natural ability to curb fever and cold, Kasuri Methi is used in different parts of the country as an ingredient for herbal tea.

Benefits:

• Regular consumption of Kasuri Methi helps keep cholesterol levels in check.

• It helps in relieving gastric, digestion and intestine related problems.

• Fenugreek leaves help in keeping the body’s blood lipids at the normal levels.

• It helps in controlling the metabolism of glucose and hence prevents type-2 diabetes.

• Reduces platelet formation which in turn prevents blood clotting in the heart.

• Helps fight against kidney problems as well as mouth ulcers and boils.

• Applying a paste out of fenugreek powder helps to get rid of skin blemishes.

• Including Kasuri Methi in the diet of a lactating mother helps to improve milk flow.

Serving ways:

1. Smokey Chicken Curry with Quinoa

This is not a traditional Indian chicken curry. It’s a multi-layered flavour explosion melding Indian spices with Mexican and Moroccan flavours, producing a hot smokey warming lemon-rich spiced sauce that changes with every mouthful. Served with a lighter option of quinoa over rice which gives the overall dish a lighter more modern touch. Less bloating and more room for beer.

2. Spinach and Roasted Tomato Dahl

In this recipe of Spinach and Roasted Tomato Dahl, roasted tomatoes and zingy lemon juice give the lentils a juicy and fresh Mediterranean touch. Serve with rice or homemade flatbreads.

3. Garam Masala Roasted Chicken

Garam Masala Roasted Chicken is the Ultimate Chicken Recipe. Crispy skin crusted with flavorsome garam masala and fenugreek spice, soft juicy chicken flesh drowned in a chicken-fat-roasted-tomato-and-onion-sauce and served with a light refreshing coriander yoghurt.

4. Aloo Methi Potato Salad

Aloo Methi is an Indian potato dish that uses fenugreek leaves as the main point of flavour along with other spices of cumin, turmeric and green chilli. Some recipes use fresh fenugreek leaves, however, dried fenugreek leaves are easier to buy and can be kept for longer in your kitchen cupboard for further recipes.

5. Curried Potato and Leek Soup

Hearty winter soup perfect for nights when you need warming up. I’ve added some Indian spices and green chilli to a traditional potato and leek soup to give it a little more fire.