Methi Chicken Murgh Methi Curry

The secret ingredient? Methi leaves, also known as fenugreek leaves, that bring in a subtle bitterness, balancing out the richness and enhancing the flavors of the curry. We have some cracking curries here on GypsyPlate. From authentic Chicken Korma and Pork Vindaloo to vegetarian delights like Palak Paneer and Gobi Matar, Indian food has a huge flavor spectrum. Today’s recipe is little different than other Indian curries, which are heavy on spices and richness. Methi chicken curry is milder, yet not lacking in flavor. Here’s my version of Methi Chicken Curry, a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian dish that’s packed with flavors and textures. The methi leaves add a unique taste that differentiates it from most other curries. The addition of cashews in the base is makes the sauce smooth and creamy.

What are Methi Leaves?

Methi leaves, also known as fenugreek leaves, are a staple herb in Indian cooking. They come from the fenugreek plant and have a unique, slightly bitter taste. The leaves are small, green, and somewhat similar to clover leaves in appearance. They’re often used to balance out rich and spicy dishes, giving very unique and interesting flavor. They’re usually available fresh, dried, or frozen at specialty grocery stores. In Methi Chicken Curry, these leaves serve as the star ingredient that brings a one-of-a-kind taste. If fresh methi leaves are out of reach, frozen methi leaves available in Indian grocery stores make an excellent substitute in this curry. Some recipes use dried methi leaves (Kasuri Methi). They’re more concentrated in flavor, so use about 5 tablespoons when the recipe asks you to add the fenugreek. Stir and then see how it tastes after cooking for few minutes. You may need to add some more to get the the same taste going.

Ingredient Notes

Oil – A neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Chicken – Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, both can work. I do not recommend using chicken breast for this recipe. Chicken drumsticks or chicken quarters cut into pieces would work great too. Yogurt – A classic ingredient in many Indian curries. It tenderizes the chicken during marination and also gives a creamy, tangy flavors. Onions – Caramelizing them slightly adds sweetness to the curry. Ginger & Garlic – Usual Indian aromatics. Cashews – Soaked in warm water to soften, cashews add a creamy richness to the curry. Tomatoes – Go for fresh, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Spices – Whole cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and cumin seeds. We also use turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and garam masala powder. Methi Leaves – The star ingredient. Cream – For creaminess. Full-fat cream will give the richest flavor, but you can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Green Chilies – For those who like it hot! Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance. Julienned Ginger & Cilantro – Last minute flavor boosters. Salt – Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Add to taste as you go.

Methi Chicken Recipe

Marinate Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces with all marinade ingredients (yogurt, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, cumin powder, garam masala powder). Cover with cling wrap and marinate in the fridge for a few hours, or while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Make Onion + Tomato + Cashew Base: Heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Sauté sliced onions until they start to brown slightly. Add chopped ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and soaked cashews. Cook for 5-8 minutes. Cool the mixture and blend into a smooth paste. Add a splash of water if needed.
Sauté Methi Leaves: Heat oil. Sauté Methi leaves until wilted. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Curry: Heat another tablespoons of oil. Add whole spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin seeds, and bay leaves). Sauté for 30 seconds. Add prepared onion tomato paste. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add marinated chicken pieces and salt. Mix well. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Methi Leaves: Add sautéed Methi leaves to the curry and mix. Continue to cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is almost cooked. Adjust consistency with water if needed. Add cream and mix well. Stir in slit green chilies, julienned ginger, and chopped cilantro. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Serve: Serve immediately with fresh Basmati rice or rotis.

Alpana’s Tips and Tricks

Plucking Methi Leaves: Methi leaves are usually sold in bunches with stems. To pluck, simply hold the stem with one hand and strip the leaves off using the other hand. You can also use scissors to snip the leaves off the stems. For this recipe, you’ll want to use only the leaves. The stems are generally tougher and can add unnecessary bitterness to your curry. Make sure to discard them. Cashew Soaking: Ensure cashews are soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes for creamier consistency. Onion Caramelization: Let onions brown and caramelize slightly, but not burn. My most important tip for making any Indian curry. Creamy vs. Brothy: Add chicken broth or water for a thinner consistency. Use more cream for a richer texture.

Possible Variations

Protein Variations: Instead of chicken, you can use lamb, beef, shrimp, or even paneer for a vegetarian option. Spice Level: Add more green chilies for an extra kick, or remove them entirely for a milder flavor. Creaminess: If you want a richer curry, add more cream or even some coconut milk for a different flavor profile. Low-Cal: To cut down on calories, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt. Methi Substitute: No Methi leaves? Try using spinach as a green substitute. It won’t be the same, but it will still be delicious! As mentioned before, you can also substitute it with dried methi leaves (Kasuri Methi), which is easily available in Indian grocery stores.

Leftovers and Storing

Methi Chicken is absolutely delicious as leftovers, as all the flavors enhance like any other curry or stew, so go ahead and make a big batch of this Indian curry. Allow the curry to cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer the cooled curry into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to store it for an extended period, you can freeze methi chicken. It will last for about 2-3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing. When you’re ready to eat again, you can reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Many of you might not know these authentic regional flavors out of India, though some Indian food lovers might have tried this restaurant favorite chicken dish at some point. Now you know how to recreate these deliciously unique flavors in your very own kitchen. All you need is one important ingredient. Methi Leaves!! The rest is a breeze!!!