Corn Methi Malai Gravy: A Punjabi Classic
Corn Methi Malai Gravy is a rich and creamy Punjabi-style dish, featuring the perfect blend of fenugreek leaves (methi) and sweet corn, simmered in a delicious spiced gravy. The addition of fresh cream enhances the smoothness, while the spices give this dish its signature depth of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with any kind of bread, be it phulkas, naan, or kulchas. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or looking to indulge in a comforting meal, this Corn Methi Malai Gravy is sure to satisfy.
Cuisine: Punjabi
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 2 cups |
| Sweet Corn | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 |
| Cashew nuts, soaked in warm water | 15 |
| Fresh Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 2 cloves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 3 |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prep the Methi and Corn:
Start by washing the methi leaves thoroughly. Roughly chop them and set aside. Soak the cashew nuts in warm water for at least 15 minutes to soften. -
Cook the Sweet Corn:
In a pressure cooker, add the sweet corn kernels along with 2 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook for one whistle, then turn off the flame. Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, drain any excess water and set the cooked corn aside. -
Prepare the Onion-Tomato Mixture:
In a pan, heat a little oil on medium flame. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Turn off the flame and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, add this mixture to a blender along with the soaked cashews. Grind them together to form a smooth paste. Set aside. -
Temper the Spices:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat salted butter on low flame. Once the butter becomes frothy, add the whole spices – cardamom, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Sauté until the spices release their aromatic fragrance. -
Cook the Gravy:
Now, add the smooth onion-tomato-cashew paste to the pan. Stir in the required amount of salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and dry mango powder (amchur). Mix everything well and cook for a minute, allowing the raw spice smell to disappear. -
Add Methi and Corn:
Add the roughly chopped methi leaves and the cooked sweet corn to the pan. Stir everything together and cook on medium flame. Simmer until the oil begins to separate from the gravy, indicating that the flavors have melded together. -
Finish the Gravy:
Finally, add sugar and fresh cream to the pan. Stir everything well and cook on low flame for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and thicken. -
Serve:
Your Corn Methi Malai Gravy is now ready to serve! Pair it with soft phulkas, naan, or kulchas. To make it a complete meal, serve it with a side of Kala Chana Salad and Lauki Raita for a fulfilling Sunday night dinner.
This Corn Methi Malai Gravy is a delightful vegetarian dish bursting with flavor. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a perfect choice for any special occasion or as a comforting weeknight dinner. The balance of sweet corn and bitter methi is enhanced by the richness of fresh cream and the warmth of traditional Indian spices, making every bite a treat. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Punjab with this easy-to-make, hearty dish!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Feel free to adjust the spice levels and cream to suit your taste, and enjoy this traditional Punjabi dish with family and friends!
