Often responsible for the distinct smell of an Indian curry:
Fenugreek reminds me of when our kids were very little and I used it to support my breastfeeding journey. Not much did I know then that it is a very common ingredient and often responsible for the distinct smell of an Indian curry, or an Indian kitchen!
At our V-Giyan™ kitchen we sometimes get visitors coming to see us from the street as they “follow the smell of the delicious ingredients” – I bet fenugreek is one of them.
Fenugreek has a sweet and slightly nutty flavour that really can’t be missed in a good curry. Both the seeds, that look like miniature stones, and the (dried) leaves are used in Punjabi cuisine. I tried growing the clover look alike a few times in my own garden and it works as a soil conditioner too, as it fixes the nitrogen levels in the soil: Win, win as I found a delicious ingredient for my cooking and a garden helper at the same time.
“Methi” as it is called in Punjabi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has numerous Ayurvedic benefits. It is considered a powerful herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, known for its ability to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
Here are some key Ayurvedic benefits of fenugreek:
* Enhances Skin Health: It is used in Ayurvedic remedies to treat skin issues like acne, eczema, and dry skin, as fenugreek has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
* Promotes Hair Growth: Fenugreek oil is often applied to the scalp to treat dandruff, hair thinning, and premature graying, as it nourishes the hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp.
* Boosts Metabolism and Weight Loss: Fenugreek is believed to aid in weight management by boosting metabolism, controlling appetite, and improving fat breakdown.
* Relieves Menstrual Discomfort: It can help relieve menstrual cramps and regulate irregular menstrual cycles due to its hormone-balancing properties.
* Promotes Healthy Lactation: Fenugreek is widely used in Ayurveda to promote milk production in nursing mothers, as it is considered a galactagogue (a substance that enhances milk secretion).
At V-Giyan™ a lot of our curries include dried fenugreek leaves. Try the simple but delicious all time favourite Yellow Lentil Dhal or the famous Aloo Gobi – potato and cauliflower.
In Ayurvedic formulations, fenugreek can be consumed as a powder, tea, or incorporated into oils and topical preparations, depending on the intended benefit. A simple but delicious tea you can try this simple recipe:
Fenugreek and Fennel Tea Recipe
Fenugreek and fennel tea is a popular Ayurvedic recipe known for its digestive benefits and warming properties.
Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
o 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
o 1 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Mix the fenugreek seeds with water in a pot.
2. Heat the mixture over high heat until it comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the tea turns yellow.
4. Strain the tea into a teacup and enjoy.
5. Optional: add a sweetener of your choice.
If you want to use this tea for improving your digestive health, add a tablespoon of fennel seeds as well.