Aloo Methi Masala Recipe – Potato & Fenugreek Leaves Gravy
Aloo Methi Masala is a mouthwatering and wholesome Indian dish made with boiled potatoes and methi (fenugreek) leaves, cooked together in a flavorful gravy. This vegetarian recipe is not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. The combination of soft potatoes with the slightly bitter methi leaves creates a delightful contrast in flavors. It pairs wonderfully with soft pooris or roti, making it a perfect addition to your lunch menu. The kids will love the comforting taste of aloo (potato), while the healthy methi offers a subtle and nutritious touch that will benefit the whole family. This recipe cleverly disguises the healthful fenugreek in the familiar form of potato, which is sure to be a hit among even the pickiest eaters!
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo) | 2, peeled, cubed, and boiled |
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 cup, chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 6 |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1, broken |
| Oil | As needed |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon, for boiling with veggies |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 4 sprigs, chopped |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
-
Cook the Potatoes:
- Start by placing the potatoes in a pressure cooker with enough water to cover them. Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
- Once done, switch off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once cooled, peel and cube the potatoes. Set them aside.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Allow the cumin seeds to crackle, releasing their aromatic fragrance.
- Add the bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, dry red chilli, and cloves. Roast these whole spices for about a minute until they become aromatic.
-
Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook them until they soften and become translucent.
- Once the onions are cooked, add the finely chopped tomatoes along with salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and blend into a smooth paste.
-
Cook the Methi Leaves:
- Add the chopped methi leaves to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they wilt and soften. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your gravy base is coming together beautifully.
-
Combine Potatoes and Gravy:
- Add the cubed boiled potatoes to the pan. Pour in enough water to create a medium-thick gravy. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle in the garam masala powder, add extra salt if needed, and mix everything together. Let the dish come to a brisk boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Final Touches:
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious, comforting Aloo Methi Masala!
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful and complete meal, serve your Aloo Methi Masala with:
- Pudina Tawa Paratha: A fragrant, mint-infused flatbread to pair with the savory dish.
- Jeera Rice: Cumin and ghee flavored rice that complements the spicy, tangy flavors of the gravy.
- Carrot Raita with Peanuts (Gajar Moongphali Raita): A cooling and crunchy side dish that balances the spice.
This recipe is not just a delicious choice for lunch but also a healthy one, with the bitterness of fenugreek leaves providing numerous health benefits like improved digestion, blood sugar control, and more. Whether you’re looking to introduce methi into your diet or simply want a new recipe to try, Aloo Methi Masala is sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
