Methi Chicken (Fenugreek Leaf Chicken Curry)
Why this recipe works
- Layered curry base: Slowly browning the onion before adding ginger, garlic and spices gives the sauce depth without needing a long cook.
- Distinctive methi finish: Fresh fenugreek leaves are added near the end so their savoury, aromatic character stays clear and recognisable.
- Rounded finish: Stirring in yoghurt off the heat gives the curry a softer, creamier finish while balancing the tomato and fenugreek.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose fresh fenugreek if possible: Fresh methi leaves give the curry its signature herbal aroma and lightly bitter savoury note.
- Add the methi at the end: Stirring the leaves in for just a few minutes keeps their flavour vivid rather than dull or overcooked.
- Use plain yoghurt: Plain yoghurt keeps the sauce savoury and balanced; Greek yoghurt makes the finish thicker and tangier.
Common mistakes
- Do not rush the onions: Cook the onion until deep golden, but stir often and keep the heat moderate so it sweetens rather than catches.
- Avoid boiling the yoghurt: Take the pan off the heat and stir the yoghurt in gradually to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Reduce a thin sauce: If the curry looks loose after simmering, cook it uncovered until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for meal prep: The curry keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be reheated gently for an easy dinner.
- Freeze in portions: Cool the curry completely before freezing, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of water if needed, and avoid a hard boil to help preserve the yoghurt-based finish.
Serving ideas
- Serve with rice: Plain basmati rice works well with the savoury sauce and lets the fenugreek flavour stand out.
- Add flatbreads: Chapati, roti or naan are practical for scooping up the thick onion-tomato gravy.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely slice the onion. Crush the garlic and finely grate the ginger; roughly chop the tomatoes.
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the fine sea salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until deep golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander and ground turmeric and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat in the spiced onion mixture. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken has lost its raw colour on the outside.
- Add the tomatoes and the remaining fine sea salt, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the fresh fenugreek leaves and cook, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes until wilted and aromatic. Take the pan off the heat and leave it for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- Stir in the yogurt a spoonful at a time until the curry looks creamy and balanced. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more fine sea salt if needed, then serve hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If the sauce looks a little thin after simmering, cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until it coats the back of a spoon.
- For a smoother curry, mash some of the tomatoes against the side of the pan with a wooden spoon as it simmers.
- If serving vulnerable groups, use pasteurised yogurt and make sure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace yogurt with greek-yogurt for a thicker, tangier finish.
- Replace rapeseed oil with ghee for a richer, more rounded flavour.
- Replace tomato with canned-chopped-tomatoes for convenience; simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if needed to thicken.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water until piping hot; avoid boiling hard once reheated. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Indian
-
Allergens:
Milk
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