If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you must be aware of Fenugreek. The aromatic spice is the key ingredient of many Indian dishes.
So, if you’re looking for its details, rest assured because we will tell you all about what does Fenugreek taste like. Not only this, but we’ll also share some mouthwatering and easy recipes which will surely satisfy your taste buds!
To learn all about what does Fenugreek taste like, its recipes, and substitutes, make sure you read the whole article.
Table of Content
What is Fenugreek and What Does it Taste Like?
Before we jump into the details of the taste, you must be wondering what Fenugreek is? Well, Fenugreek is also known as Kasuri methi or simply methi in South Asia. It belongs to the legume family. Being a staple of both medicine and culinary, it is pretty popular in the world.
If you are curious about the taste of Rosemary, don’t skip the link.
Types of Fenugreek
The two most popular types include:
- Greek Fenugreek
- Blue Fenugreek
Whatever the type is, benefits usually remain constant. India is one of its biggest producers. Blue fenugreeks are considered a part of Georgian cuisine where it is well-known as utskho suneli (crushed form). It has a mild sweet taste and is famous for its aroma.
Fenugreek has different names worldwide. In South Asia, it is called methi. In Amharic, it is known as abesh or abish. Whereas in Egypt, it is called hilba or helba.
Nutritional Facts of Fenugreek
The use of this herb isn’t only limited to your kitchen. It is also used as a natural medicine! However, there isn’t enough study done to prove that through evidence.
History tells us unlimited benefits of the herb, including induction of childbirth, increase in breast milk production, and easing digestive problems. Like Fenugreek, Cilantro has numerous health benefits too.
Let’s have a look at the nutritional facts of methi:
If we consider a tablespoon of methi which weighs around 11.1 grams, then the essential nutrients include,
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
However, if we reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon, which weighs 3.7 grams, then the vital nutrients include,
- Fiber: 0.9 grams
- Fat: 0.24g grams
- Carbohydrates: 2.16 grams
- Protein: 0.85 grams
Besides these nutrients, Fenugreek is rich in minerals, including iron, manganese, and magnesium. Other minerals include calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Moreover, vitamin C, Niacin, Thiamine, Folate, vitamin A, and riboflavin are also present in minute quantities.
What Does Fenugreek Taste Like? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Every form of this herb tastes different! If you taste seeds, you’ll find them bitter. On the contrary, the leaves are a little sweet. For further details about the taste, let’s dig into the details of “what does fenugreek taste like?”
Firstly, let’s talk about the seeds. For those who don’t know, the bitter seeds of Fenugreek hold extreme importance in Indian cuisine. Do most people often inquire about what does fenugreek seeds taste like? The answer is “Bitter, tangy, and a little bit similar to burnt sugar.”
When it comes to seeds, you can also roast them to remove the bitterness. To enhance the flavor, you can also dry-fry the ground seeds. The best part is if you keep them in an air-tight container, they can last for more than a year. You can use them in curries and pickles.
The second most common question is, what does fenugreek leaves taste like? This might be surprising for you, but the leaves taste somewhat similar to the maple syrup. They are sweet and less bitter. You can compare it with the basil.
What does Fenugreek taste like? – If you’ll eat raw leaves, you’ll experience a bitter taste. On the contrary, it brings up a maple syrup aroma with a noticeable bitterness when it is cooked. So, it keeps on changing the taste.
Best Nutritious Fenugreek Recipes You Must Try!
When it comes to cooking, both the seeds and leaves hold a significant place. The leaves can be used in the curries. At the same time, the seeds can be used as a flavor booster in combination with other spices. Hence, both can be a great addition to your cuisine! Below are three different kinds of food items you can prepare using these leaves.
Aalu Methi
This is a traditional Indian curry. The two primary ingredients are potato and fenugreek leaves called aalu and methi, respectively. It is a combination of all the spices and the other two ingredients. The leaves are added to the sautéed potatoes along with some cumin, turmeric, and coriander. You can serve them with rice or roti. Don’t forget to garnish the potato curry with some extra coriander.
Sprouted Fenugreek Salad
Sprouted Fenugreek Salad is refreshing and highly nutritious. For making one, you’ll need sprouted Fenugreek, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and gently toss them after seasoning with lemon juice.
Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek tea is traditionally considered a remedy for diabetes. It can also boost milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Here we’ll tell you about what does Fenugreek tea tastes like and how it is prepared.
To make the tea, all you need is crushed methi powder and honey. Boil a cup of water and add the crushed tea. Add honey and mix them. Cover for less than 5 minutes and enjoy the drink!
Best Fenugreek Substitute
You must be thinking, why would one need the alternative? Let’s imagine, you’ve guests at your place, and you ran out of Fenugreek seeds. Now, you need them on an urgent basis to prepare the lunch! So, what will you do now? To save you in this situation, we’ve brought you the best Fenugreek substitutes! Check out the following replacements,
- Maple Syrup – You must be having maple syrup in your kitchen’s pantry for the pancakes? If yes then your problem is solved! This is because maple syrup is the best replacement for fenugreek seeds. Make sure you add it in the end because its flavor vanishes upon over-cooking.
- Mustard Seeds – Some mildly bitter seeds can surely be a better replacement for the fenugreek seeds. Use the yellow mustard seeds in the same quantity as that of fenugreek seeds. If you want a sweet flavor then add a few drops of maple syrup.
- Curry Powder/ Garam Masala – Curry powder can help you a lot if you run out of fenugreek seeds. This is because it already has fenugreek seeds mixed with other spices so it can also serve as a substituent. On the contrary, you can also use garam masala which is an Indian spice blend. But the best option to go for is curry powder. Try to add them at the beginning of cooking time to acquire the perfect taste.
- Celery Leaves – The best substituent for fenugreek leaves are celery leaves. The spice mix alternative will provide a nutty and bitter flavor which is perfect to replace methi. It is widely available at the markets also.
- Fennel Seeds – The flowering plant belongs to the carrot family. While using it make sure you add a decent amount because even a small quantity is enough to intensify the flavors.
FAQ
Does Fenugreek taste like licorice?
Yes, it does. Although both Fenugreek and fennel belong to different families, people still find similarities in their tastes. Fenugreek has a strong aroma similar to that of maple syrup. In comparison, fennel seeds have a big licorice flavor. Hence, they are confused with anise sometimes.
What is Fenugreek similar to?
Fenugreek is somewhat similar to maple syrup and burnt sugar due to its bitter taste. Moreover, you can use fennel seeds, maple syrup, Chinese celery leaves, and mustard seeds as its substitute.
What does Fenugreek do to your body?
Usually, both males and females make use of Fenugreek for the improvement of sexual relationships. It lowers the blood sugar level, promotes lactation in women, enhances testosterone level, decreases inflammation, and lowers cholesterol. It is an herb with impressive health benefits.
What does Fenugreek do for females?
Fenugreek has shown effective results in reducing pain during dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods). Moreover, it also enhances milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Studies reveal that it is also helpful for females with ovarian cysts. It improves symptoms and also reduces the size of the cyst.
Final Words
The annual herb of the legume family is globally famous for both medication and cooking. The unique aroma and exquisite taste make the food mouthwatering. The answer to the question, “what does fenugreek taste like?” must be pretty clear now. Whatever the form is, either seeds or leaves, Fenugreek enhances the flavors and carries health benefits.
