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Methi Rice Recipe

Methi Rice Recipe

Methi rice is an Indian dish made with basmati rice and fresh fenugreek leaves (methi). Flavored with spices like cumin and turmeric, it often includes onions or peanuts for texture. The slightly bitter taste of fenugreek adds depth, making it a nutritious option that can be enjoyed on its own or with yogurt or raita.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Rice
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 People
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Basmati rice
  • 1 ½ Cup Fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), chopped
  • 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tomato, chopped
  • 1 Green chili, slit
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 2 tablespoon Oil or ghee
  • 2 Cup Water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparing the Rice:

  • Firstly, cook the rice until fluffy and separate (using a pressure cooker, rice cooker, or stovetop).
  • As a result, you’ll get a rice texture that won’t stick together, allowing it to mix well with the methi and spices.
  • Remember, it’s important to ensure the rice is cooked, but not mushy!

Cooking the Methi Leaves:

  • Before you start, wash and chop the methi leaves.
  • As an illustration, you can blanch the leaves (boil briefly) to reduce bitterness. Alternatively, sauté the fresh methi with a pinch of salt to soften it and bring out its flavor.
  • Additionally, fresh methi leaves offer the best taste!

Tempering the Spices:

  • In a pan, heat oil or ghee and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
  • Subsequently, add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies, sautéing them until fragrant.
  • Not only does this step enhance the aroma, but it also infuses the oil with spices, setting the base flavor!

Cooking the Methi and Spices Together:

  • Now, add the chopped methi leaves to the tempered spices.
  • Let it cook until the methi wilts and releases its aroma.
  • Additionally, sprinkle turmeric and chili powder for vibrant color and a touch of heat. This step gives the dish its signature flavor!

Mixing Rice and Methi:

  • Once the methi and spices are cooked, gently add the rice.
  • Toss gently, being careful not to break the rice grains.
  • As a matter of fact, this gentle mix ensures every grain is well-coated with methi and spices.

Final Touches:

  • Finally, add salt to taste.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice to balance the bitterness of methi and bring a refreshing tang.
  • For the purpose of enhancing texture, garnish with fried cashews, peanuts, or fresh coriander for extra flavor and crunch.

Notes

Creative Variations: Making Methi Rice Your Own

1. Methi Rice with Vegetables: For instance, you can add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or beans, making the dish both wholesome and colorful.
2. Methi Rice with Yogurt: Additionally, a creamy dollop of yogurt on top balances the savory flavors and adds richness to the dish.
3. Methi Rice with Coconut: On the other hand, adding freshly grated coconut or coconut milk introduces a sweet contrast to the savory methi, enhancing the taste.
4. Methi Rice with Paneer: Moreover, incorporating paneer cubes turns the dish into a protein-packed, hearty meal.
5. Methi Pulao: As an illustration, if you prefer a more aromatic version, try adding whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, along with saffron or turmeric, for a colorful and fragrant pulao.
6. Spicy Methi Rice: If you're a spice lover, adding green chilies, red chili powder, or garam masala elevates the heat and flavor.
7. Methi Lemon Rice: Finally, a touch of lemon zest or tamarind paste will give your methi rice a tangy and refreshing twist.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Methi Rice

1. Perfectly Tempered Spices: Finally, make sure to temper the spices carefully in hot oil to extract their full flavor, but be cautious not to burn them for the best aromatic effect.
2. Rice Texture: Firstly, to ensure fluffy rice, cook it al dente (slightly firm) and avoid overcooking to maintain its perfect texture.
3. Managing Bitterness: If the bitterness of methi is too strong, you can blanch the leaves (briefly cook them in boiling water and drain) before adding them to the dish. Additionally, adding lemon juice or tamarind can help balance the bitterness.
4. Adding Freshness: In case you're using dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish. This will bring out a fresher taste.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Methi Rice Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
290
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Sodium
 
220
mg
10
%
Potassium
 
300
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
48
g
16
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
700
IU
14
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
 
1.5
mg
8
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin C
 
12
mg
15
%
Vitamin E
 
0.5
mg
3
%
Vitamin K
 
24
µg
23
%
Calcium
 
50
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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