Fenugreek

Terre Exotique offers for sale one of the most popular spices: fenugreek. This spice originates from the Middle East and has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal virtues. Let's discover together the history, uses, and characteristics of fenugreek.

History of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herbaceous plant of the Fabaceae family, also known as trigonella. This plant originates from the Middle East, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was highly valued in ancient Egypt, where it was used for its medicinal and culinary properties.

The botanical name of Fenugreek "Trigonella foenum-graecum” refers to the triangular shape of its seeds ("trigonella") and its use. The Romans imported it from Greece to use as fodder ("Greek Hay").

Fenugreek is also mentioned in ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts, which date back more than 4000 years. In Ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek is used to treat various conditions, including digestive disorders.

Use of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a versatile spice that can be used in many ways. Fenugreek seeds are often used in Indian cuisine, where they are roasted and ground to make curry powder. Fresh fenugreek leaves are also used in Indian dishes for their unique flavor.

Fenugreek is also used in Middle Eastern spice blends, where it is often combined with other spices like cumin and coriander.

Fenugreek seeds can also be soaked in water to make a paste that is used in Indian cuisine to make flatbread called paratha.

In Ethiopia, these grains are cooked in the famous "Doro Wat". It is a chicken stew accompanied by a mixture of mead, offal, hard-boiled eggs, and Berbere spices.

This Ethiopian fenugreek will go perfectly with a chicken masala, lentil dish, mashed green vegetables, chicken skewers, or marinated poultry.

It is preferable to roast the grains using a pan or soak them in water before grinding them into powder.

Aromas of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a spice with a unique flavor described as slightly bitter and sweet. Fenugreek seeds are oval-shaped and light brown in color. They are often used whole or ground into powder.

In summary, fenugreek is a versatile spice with a long history of culinary and medicinal use. With its unique flavor and nutritional properties, fenugreek is a valuable ingredient in cooking. Add a touch of exotic flavor to your favorite dishes and enjoy its benefits.

Recipes with Fenugreek

See the recipe for Kerala fish curry

Click here to discover the homemade curry recipe with fenugreek