Methi Aloo [Potato Fenugreek Fry]

   Methi or the Fenugreek is regarded as a powerful herb.The benefits of fenugreek leaves or its seeds include its various usages,varying from its culinary usages to medicinal properties.Medicinal usages include cholestrol control,diabities,skin problem,indigestion and much more.Its seeds as well as leaves are important spice.Its dried leaves [kasuri methi] are used as flavouring for potato curries etc.

   In the present recipe,dry leaves [kasuri methi] have been used with little fried boiled-potatoes.My family and our aquaintances just love it!

Ingredients:

Fenugreek [kasuri methi]

• Boiled potatoes- 5-6 pieces (medium)
• Dry fenugreek leaves(kasuri methi)- 1/2 cup
• Fenugreek seeds(methi dana)- 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
• Red chilli powder-1/4 tsp
• Coriander powder- 1 tsp
• Garam masala powder- 1/2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Mustard oil- 1 tbsp

Preparation:

• Boil the potatoes,peel and cut them into square pieces.
• Dip fenugreek leaves into water for at least 5 minutes

Method:

• Heat oil in deep frying pan on high flame and add fenugreek seeds in pan.
• When seeds turn red,add potato pieces,mix & stir them for a few seconds.
• Sprinkle turmeric powder,red chilli powder and coriander powder.Saute them until all is mixed well and fried.
• Filter the fenugreek leaves and add to potato mixture.Saute again until all is mixed well.

• Add garam masala powder & salt to taste and fry for a few seconds.

The Methi Aloo is ready.

 



Serve hot with puri or paratha,or, roti/chappathis,daal & boiled rice.

Creamy Methi Paneer

The fenugreek [kasuri methi] is known as a wonder herb,which helps digestion,reduce cholestrol etc.Paneer is protein rich.Now a combination of these two in the following recipe gives a delicious and aromatic dish.

Ingredients:

• Paneer  200 gms
• Dry Fenugreek leaves [kasuri methi]   4 tbsp [dry]
• Fresh cream  1/2 cup
• Cashew nut  6-8 pcs
• Green Peas  1/2 cup
• Onion   2/3 pcs
• Garam masala  1/4 tsp
• Cinnamon [dalchini]  1/2 pc
• Black cardamom  2 pcs
• Cloves  3-4 pcs
• Pepper powder  1/4 tsp
• Red chilli powder  1/4 tsp
• Green chilli  6 pcs
• Salt to the taste
• Sugar  1/2 tsp
• Refined oil  2 tbsp
• Milk  1 cup

Preparation:

• Grind slightly the Cashewnut  to get small pieces.
• Cut paneer into small square pieces and dip in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
• Grate the onion.
• Boil the Peas.
• Grind mildly [dardara] separately dalchini,clove and black cardamom.
• Cut the chillies lengthwise.

Method:

1. Heat the ghee in a pan,lower the flame.Add grated onion and fry on a very low heat till it turns pink [ not red ].
2. Add grated cinnamon powder,cardamom and red chilly powder,mix well.
3. Add kasuri methi,saute for a few seconds.Then add cream.Mix well and fry on a low flame for 2-3 minutes till cream becomes dry.
4. Now add boiled peas, paneer pieces and cashew nut pieces,mix well and fry for 2 minutes on low heat.
5. Further add milk,salt and sugar.Mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.Close the flame.
6. Add garam masala and green chilly.Mix and leave the pan covered.

  The methi paneer is ready.Garnish and serve hot.

Garnish with cream.

Ideal companions : naan,missi roti or paratha.

Serves 4