Introduction of Methi chicken 

Methi Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the succulence of chicken with the distinct taste of fresh fenugreek leaves (methi). This dish originates from the Indian subcontinent and is a popular choice among lovers of Indian cuisine. The marriage of tender chicken pieces with the slightly bitter and earthy flavor of methi leaves creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. With its rich spices and herbs, Methi Chicken offers a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with rice or bread. Whether prepared for a family dinner or a special occasion, Methi Chicken never fails to impress with its unique and inviting flavors.”

Ingredients for Methi Chicken recipe 

– Chicken, small curry cut pieces with bones -500 gm

Marinate chicken with:

– Salt- 1 tsp

– Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

– Red Chilli Powder- 1 tsp

Onion-tomato-chilli paste-

– Onion, medium sized sliced & lightly fried- 2 medium

– Tomato- 2 small

– Green chillies- 2 small

– Curd/yogurt- 2 tbsp

– Cashew nut paste- 12 cashews

– Ginger garlic paste- 2 tsp

– Methi/Fenugreek leaves- 2 cups, approx 50 gms leaves picked (To be pan fried & set aside)

– Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

– Red Chilli powder- 1/2 tsp

– Coriander powder- 1 tsp

– Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp

– Garam masala powder- 1/2 tsp

– Oil- 1 tbsp for frying onions/methi leaves & 3 tbsp

– Salt for seasoning 

Preparation of Methi chicken recipe 

– Wash, drain & marinate the chicken with salt, turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Set aside for 30 mins.

– Pick the Methi/Fenugreek leaves (about 2 cups or 50 gms leaves), wash few times and drain the water.

– Slice the onions, cut the tomatoes into quarters and the green chillies to halves.

– Make a paste of the cashew nuts.

– Take a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add the onions. Fry on medium flame heat until for 3-4 mins till translucent. Take out, drain the oil well and set aside to cool.

– In the oil left off in the pan, and add the washed and drained Methi leaves and fry on medium flame heat( until) till the Methi is cooked but still retains the some colour.

– To make the onion-tomato-chilli paste, take a blender and add the lightly fried onion, quartered tomatoes, green chillies and 2 tbsp of yogurt. Blend to a rough paste.

Process: 

– Heat oil in a pan or kadai and add the ginger garlic paste. Fry on low heat flame (until)for 2 mins.

– Add the tomato-onion-chilli paste, mix and fry on medium heat for 2-3 mins till oil separates.

– Reduce the heat to low flame and add all the( ingredients )spice powders other than garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for 5 mins on low heat till oil separates.

– Now add the marinated chicken, mix everything well and fry on high heat for 2-3 mins.

– Add the garam masala powder, &mix and fry/bhuno on medium heat(until )for around 10 mins.

– Add the cashew paste and the fried Methi leaves and mix everything well. Cook on low heat for around 5 mins till oil separates.

– Add 1/2 cup water, mix well and cook covered on low heat for around 15 mins.

– Serve hot with roti or rice

(Methi chicken recipe)

Here are some tips for making delicious Methi Chicken:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken and methi leaves for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients always enhance the taste of the dish.

Prep the Methi Leaves: Wash the methi leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, chop them finely before adding to the dish.

Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Adjust Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spice used.

Balance the Bitterness: Fenugreek leaves have a slightly bitter taste. To balance this bitterness, you can add a bit of sugar or honey to the dish while cooking.

Cook on Low Heat: Allow the chicken to cook on low heat after adding the methi leaves. This helps the flavors to meld together and ensures the chicken is cooked evenly without becoming tough.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding freshly chopped coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.   (Methi chicken recipe)

Rest Before Serving: Let the Methi Chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute. This will result in a more flavorful and tender dish.By following these tips, you can elevate your Methi Chicken dish and create a flavorful and satisfying meal for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy cooking!