Papad Methi ki Sabzi
A quick Rajasthani-style sabzi where crisp papad softens in a lightly spiced methi and yogurt gravy. It has a lovely balance of bitterness, tang, and warmth, making it perfect with roti or phulka.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the methi and papad.
1.Pluck and wash the fenugreek leaves well to remove any grit.2.Chop the leaves roughly and keep them ready.3.Break the papad into medium bite-size pieces. - fry · ~2 min
Lightly toast the papad.
Heat 1 tsp oil in a wide pan and quickly toast the papad pieces for a few seconds on each side until blistered and crisp. Remove to a plate.
TIPDo not brown the papad too much or it can taste bitter. - saute · ~5 min
Cook the tempering and methi.
1.Heat the remaining oil in the same pan over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and asafoetida and let them sizzle for a few seconds.3.Add green chili and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.4.Add the chopped fenugreek leaves and cook until wilted and softened, 3 to 4 minutes. - mix · ~2 min
Add the spices and yogurt.
Lower the heat. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt, then mix. Add the whisked yogurt slowly, stirring continuously so it stays smooth.
TIPKeep the heat low while adding yogurt to prevent curdling. - simmer · ~5 min
Simmer the gravy.
Pour in the water and cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until the gravy comes together and the raw taste of the yogurt cooks off.
- assemble · ~1 min
Add the papad and finish the sabzi.
Add the toasted papad pieces to the hot gravy and fold gently. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until the papad softens slightly but still keeps some bite.
TIPAdd papad at the end so it does not turn completely mushy. - serve
Serve hot with roti or phulka.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wash methi in several changes of water, then drain well so grit does not spoil the gravy.
- 2Toast the papad only until lightly blistered; deep browning can make the final sabzi taste harsh.
- 3Whisk the yogurt until completely smooth before it goes into the pan to avoid lumps.
- 4Lower the flame fully before adding yogurt and keep stirring until it comes back to a gentle simmer.
- 5Add papad only in the last minute if you want some bite; for softer papad, let it sit in the gravy for 2 minutes off heat.
- 6If the methi tastes too bitter, sauté it a minute longer before adding yogurt to mellow the sharpness.
- 7This sabzi thickens as papad absorbs liquid, so keep the gravy slightly loose before the final step.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Dry-roast the papad directly on the flame or tawa and use minimal oil for the tempering for a lighter everyday version.
spicierSpicier
Add an extra green chili or a little more red chili powder if you want the tangy yogurt gravy to have a sharper heat.
drierDrier
Use slightly less water and simmer longer for a thicker coating-style sabzi that pairs especially well with phulka.
veganVegan
Replace yogurt with a well-whisked plain plant yogurt that can handle heat, for a dairy-free version with similar tang.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Leafy Greens in Every Serving
Fresh methi adds the benefits of leafy greens along with a distinctive bitter note that makes the dish feel lighter and more balanced.
Digestive Spice Support
Cumin, ginger, asafoetida, and coriander are classic Indian pantry spices often used to make rich or tangy dishes easier to digest.
Protein From Yogurt and Urad Papad
The yogurt and urad-based papad contribute some protein while also giving the sabzi body and satisfying texture.
Frequently asked questions
Usually the heat was too high or the yogurt was added too quickly. Lower the flame, whisk the yogurt well, and stir continuously as you add it.
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