An alternative to using methi leaves in Indian recipes?!

If you can't get it don't worry too much, it doesn't add that much flavour of it's own!. In case your recipe didn't tell you, methi is the indian name for fenugreek!.

If the recipe says fresh methi leaves, you can swap it for dried!. Visit any indian supermarket and buy a box of dried methi, called either 'kasuri methi' or 'qasuri methi'!. A box costs peanuts and lasts for a long time!. You'll find that a decent indian grocer will sell the fresh leaves these days, but smaller ones might not!.

If you plan on repeating this in the future, it's very easy to grow yourself!. Just get some fenugreek seeds, get a small plastic box like a cress container, add some damp compost and sprinkle the seeds on!. Put in a sealed plastic bag, you'll find that the seeds sprout abundantly, you can transplant them to a window box or pot and you'll have a fresh supply in no time!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

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It would be easier to tell you if you had mentioned exactly what you are cooking!.

Anyway to answer your question I would use either Spinach or even watercress!.

I dont usually use methi to make gravy, But I have used Spinach in dhal, I have made a dish with Potatoe and tomotoe and spinach!. Maybe you make a puree with the spinach and add to a dish to make a dark green gravy!.

Heres a gravy recipe that you could try if that doesn't work!.

1/2 pt Ghee OR Vegetable Oil
5 tb Garlic Puree ( 5 portions)
4 tb Ginger Puree ( 4 portions)
2 1/2 pt Onion Puree (10 portions)
1 1/2 lb Canned Tomatoes and Juices
6 tb Tomato Paste
3 ts Salt
2 tb Sugar

4 tb Masala Mild Curry Powder
2 tb Paprika
1 1/2 tb Turmeric

Directions

Mix the Masala Mild Curry Powder, Paprika and Turmeric with water to make a paste the consistency of catsup!. Let it stand!.

Heat 5 to 6
tablespoons of oil in a 6-8 pint sauepan!. Stir-fry the
garlic puree for 30 seconds, then add the ginger puree
and cook for another 30 seconds!. Add 5 to 6 more
tablespoons of oil and when hot addthe spice mixture
and stir-fry for another 30 seconds!. Add the remaining
oil and the onion puree and stir-fry gently for about
10 minutes!. 3!. Puree the canned tomatoes in a blender
then add with the tomato paste to the pan!. Mix in well
and add enough water to get a medium thick soup
consistency!. Add sugar and salt to taste!. 4!. Simmer
gently for at least 30 minutes and at most 1 hour!.
Reduce to a thickish but easily pourable applesauce
texture!. If it starts to get too dry add a little
waterWww@FoodAQ@Com

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Everyday cooking for Indian Vegetarian!Www@FoodAQ@Com

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Methi leaves have a unique flavor of their own which no other leafy veg or herb can substitute ,you can get to buy Methi in Indian grocery stores ,or you can use powdered fenugreek seeds instead !. Kasuri methi or Kasthuri methi is sold in most Indian groceries !.Www@FoodAQ@Com

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There is no substitute!. The 'methi' aka fenugreek gives dishes the unique flavour!.
You could grow your own methi!. Soak fenugreek seeds in water over night, Either sprout them and plant or just spread them in a pot with mud in it!. Water daily till the seedling is about 8" high!. Use the leaves!. You could sun dry the same leaves for future use!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

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I use dried powdered methi!. You don't even have to go to an Indian store to get it!. They sell it in the regular grocery store (some of them) as powdered fenugreek!. My food is still tasty using this!. :-) Good Luck!Www@FoodAQ@Com

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One simple alternative is to go down the fish & chip shop and stop eating foreign muck!.

Yes - alright I give up!. To be honest I prefer a curry to fish & chips really!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

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I have used dried lime leaves and they worked quite well!.
Other than that - sorry, no!.Www@FoodAQ@Com

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