Potato w/ Fenugreek (Aloo Methi)

Ingredients:

• 3 peeled potatoes
• 1 cup frozen fenugreek or 1 fresh bunch
• Spices: 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, pinch of asafoetida, pinch of turmeric, 1 tsp red chilli pwd, 1 tsp coriander pwd
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp soy/canola oil
  

I understand fenugreek is not typically eaten in the US and hence you wont find it in any of the regular stores. You need to go to an Indian store that sells vegetables. Its called "methi" in Hindi. You find it more in the fall and winter time. You can buy the frozen version round the year.

Heat the oil in a non stick or anodized aluminum pot, pour the mustard seeds, wait till they splatter, then reduce the flame and add in asafoetida, turmeric, red chilli pwd, coriander powder and potatoes (diced into small pieces). Lid the pot and let the potatoes cook for 7 minutes. Now throw in the frozen or chopped fresh fenugreek, and lid the pot again for 3-4 minutes. Add salt, lemon juice and cook without lid for another 3-4 minutes stirring around all the ingredients. And its ready.

Fenugreek leaves have a slightly bitter taste and will be more noticeable if its your first time consuming it. We have grown up on this vegetable having it in different variations with peas, mushroom, soy beans, etc and have acquired the taste. It is also sold in a dried form called kasuri methi. So if you are not able to find fresh or frozen, you can buy the dried version from the Indian store. I always have it at home because I use it as a seasoning too.

Health benefits:
Fenugreek as an herb and seed has many medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic treatments to cure arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, and indigestion. It is also known to maintain a healthy metabolism, increase libido and male potency, as well as a cure for skin problems. The seeds specifically are popular in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. Just like they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, in our culture, its said a spoonful of fenugreek seeds (methi dana) will cure all ailments. I'll dig up recipes for pickles we make with methi dana.