Key facts
| Hindi name | Methi dana |
|---|---|
| Also called | Vendhayam (Tamil) |
| Flavour | Bitter and maple-like. Used in small amounts, it gives depth that is hard to place. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Whole seeds, ground |
| Stays fresh | Whole: 1 year, ground: 4 months · check your jars |
| Best substitute | A pinch of mustard seed with a little maple syrup gives a rough approximation, but most recipes are fine without it. |
| Used in | 4 of our blends and 5 of our dishes |
How to use it
A few seeds go into South Indian tempering, sambar powder and pickles. Soaked fenugreek helps idli and dosa batter ferment and adds softness.
- Use very little: a quarter teaspoon is plenty for most dishes.
- Fry until just reddish-brown; dark seeds become very bitter.
Substitute
A pinch of mustard seed with a little maple syrup gives a rough approximation, but most recipes are fine without it.
Storage
Whole seeds keep well for a year or more.
The seeds and the leaves (methi) come from the same plant.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use fenugreek seed
Blends with fenugreek seed
Sambar powder
South India
The roasted spice blend that gives sambar its depth: coriander-heavy, with lentils for body.
Panch phoron
Bengal and Odisha
A whole-seed mix of five spices in equal parts, used without grinding.
Curry powder (British-Indian style)
Britain
Curry powder is a British invention: Indian cooks rarely use one blend for everything, but it is handy and wi…
Frequently asked questions
What is fenugreek seed called in Hindi?
Methi dana. Also known as Vendhayam (Tamil).
What can I use instead of fenugreek seed?
A pinch of mustard seed with a little maple syrup gives a rough approximation, but most recipes are fine without it.
How long does fenugreek seed keep?
Whole seeds keep well for a year or more.
Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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