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Methi Substitute

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Fen74
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Methi Substitute

Post by Fen74 »

I'm looking to make a Chicken Ceylon this evening but I'm all out of methi leaves so was wondering if using ground fenugreek is a suitable substitute? Can curry leaves be used, or perhaps not?

Cheers.
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ScotchBonnet
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by ScotchBonnet »

Adding ground fenugreek risks making it a bit bitter. Curry leaves aren't the same as methi but I like the taste of them and if I were you I'd add a few of those. Another thing worth thinking about would be to substitute any sugar in the recipe with maple syrup since it shares a few aromatic compounds with methi.
"There is no such thing as too much oil; just an insufficiency of naan".
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charliebir
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by charliebir »

Hi Fen,

The methi is an essential ingredient in many BIR dishes.

Best put it to the top of your shopping list.

Even ebay will get you some in a matter of days.
Charlie.
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Fen74
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Fen74 »

That's brilliant, really appreciate the help, SB. I think i'll go with the curry leaves, but just for future reference, would you recommend using a very small amount of ground fenugreek (if methi is ever required) towards the end of cooking to give flavour but to cut down on the risk of bitterness?

Thanks again!
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Fen74 »

Hi, Charlie. I have some ordered from my local corner shop, i'm hoping she'll have it in stock tomorrow morning, fingers crossed. Thanks a lot for the help.
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by ScotchBonnet »

Personally, I like ground fenugreek in a base gravy and in a mix and have been told that my mix powder contains a lot of it but it doesn't give the same flavour as those lovely crumbled leaves (kasuri methi) so more ground fenugreek isn't better. Curry leaves, though, do have a very pleasant taste and although they might not be as good as kasuri methi in a particular dish they are still likely to lift many a dish with an interesting and pleasant flavour. I like methi with chicken and lamb and I prefer curry leaves with fish or dahl. I don't put any methi at all in korma, pathia or chasni for my family.
"There is no such thing as too much oil; just an insufficiency of naan".
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by pauly »

You might find this thread of interest to you Fen74 Here
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charliebir
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by charliebir »

There is no substitute for methi leaves .
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Alchemist »

Methidone?! :smart:
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Cory Ander
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Cory Ander »

There is no substitute for dried fenugreek leaves, in my opinion. You could add powdered fenugreek seeds (with the mix powder) but the taste is quite different (albeit savoury). You could dry fresh fenugreek (if you can find it). Otherwise, I'd just leave it out. Curry leaves are not a substitute (they are completely different although they would work quite well in a Ceylon, I think).
CA (aka Admin) :)
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Fen74 »

So basically kasuri methi is essential to a vast majority of BIR dishes and ground fenugreek is no subsitute, got it! Though I used ground fenugreek in my mix powder and it gives off a lovely aroma, i'll see how I go with it - I'll imagine a few tweeks will be needed before I settle on a prefered mix.

Didn't go with the Ceylon in the end, I had all the ingredients for a pasanda (which the missus loves) so went with that. Turned out edible but I think the ground almonds browned too much which gave it an overpowering nutty/smoky flavour - I've got a long way to go I think.

Thanks for all your advice everyone, you've all been brilliant. Cheers.
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by charliebir »

Methidone?!
Excellent for 6am, Alchy.

I read it at 8, and was still thinking about it at 10. :thumbup:
Charlie.
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Re: Methi Substitute

Post by Alchemist »

Great to see there is someone other than me who likes my warped sense of humour, Charlie!! It was at the end of a night shift as well!
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