Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

कसूरी मेथी / kasuri methi

Flavor and role

Dried fenugreek leaves with a bitter-sweet aroma like celery and maple syrup. Crush them between your palms and add at the end.

Typical dishes and uses

Butter chicken, paneer makhani, methi paratha, dal makhani. In this book: butter chicken.

Substitutes

Hard to replace. Leave it out, or use a little chopped celery leaf + a few drops of maple syrup. Fenugreek seeds are much stronger, so use just a pinch.

Storage

Airtight, away from light, at room temperature for 6 months to 1 year. Refrigerated, the aroma lasts longer.

Main countries

India · Pakistan

Used in this book

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Chana MasalaChicken Tikka MasalaGhormeh SabziPalak Paneer (Spinach with Indian Cheese)Tandoor-Style Murgh MakhaniButter Chicken RigatoniButter Chicken Cheese ToastPindi CholeCharcoal-Skewered Chicken Tikka MasalaDhaba-Style Double Tadka Dal with Coal SmokeButter Chicken EnchiladasOven-Braised Lamb Shank Ghormeh SabziGhormeh Sabzi Chicken Pot PieSabzi Crispy Rice BowlTandoori Chicken Momo with Mint YoghurtSeared Paneer Palak with Garlic TadkaMumbai Tawa Butter Pav Bhaji

Updated 2026-10-10