Sautéed Methi
A simple, healthy Indian stir-fry made with fresh fenugreek leaves, garlic, and minimal spices. This quick and flavorful dish is packed with nutrients and has a unique, pleasantly bitter taste, perfect for a light meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the fenugreek leaves.
Pluck the methi leaves from the stems. Wash them thoroughly in a large bowl of water 2-3 times to remove all grit. Drain well and roughly chop them. Finely chop the garlic and slit the green chilies.
TIPEnsure the leaves are as dry as possible before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy.Temper the spices.
- Heat mustard oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat until it's fragrant.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida.
TIPHeating mustard oil properly is important to remove its pungent raw smell.Sauté the aromatics.
Add the chopped garlic and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Cook the methi leaves.
- Add the chopped fenugreek leaves to the pan.
- Sprinkle with turmeric powder and salt.
- Mix well and cook on medium heat. The leaves will wilt and release water.
Finish cooking the sabzi.
Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3-4 minutes until all the moisture has evaporated and the leaves are tender. Be careful not to overcook.
TIPOvercooking can make the methi leaves excessively bitter.Serve hot.
Serve the Sautéed Methi hot as a side dish with roti or as a standalone light meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To reduce bitterness, you can sprinkle salt on the chopped leaves, let them rest for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the bitter juices before cooking.
- 2For a slightly different flavor, you can add one finely chopped onion after the cumin seeds and sauté until translucent before adding garlic.
- 3A small pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can help balance the flavors.
- 4This dish is best cooked in an iron kadai (wok) for added flavor and iron content.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's low in calories and carbohydrates, rich in fiber, iron, and vitamins. Fenugreek is particularly known for its benefits in managing blood sugar levels, making it excellent for diabetics.
