Methi Chicken Curry (chicken with fenugreek) is one of the most fragrant and flavourful curries I make. A rich, distinctive taste that is utterly intoxicating. Learn more about what makes this curry so delicious.
Combine all the curry powder ingredients and stir well. Set aside.
For the curry
Using a large saucepan, heat the oil on a medium heat until just hot. Add the fenugreek seeds, bay leaf, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cardamom pods and cloves and let them sizzle briefly. Add the onion, ginger and garlic and fry gently for 7-8 minutes until the onions are soft and golden.
Add the chicken thighs and stir well. Turn up the heat a little and stir the chicken for 4-5 minutes to cook a little. Add the methi leaves and stir well. Cook for 5-6 minutes to evaporate most of the water from the leaves, before adding the curry powder, tomato and yoghurt.Bring this to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid sticking. Pour in about 2 cups water and stir well. Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat and gently cook for 30 minutes (partially covered), stirring occasionally.Remove the lid and simmer for 5-10 minutes to reduce the sauce to a nice, thick creamy consistency. Remove from the heat.
place the kasoori methi leaves between your palms and crush them over the curry sauce. Stir in, check for seasoning and serve.
Serve with rice or Indian breads.
Notes
Fresh Methi LeavesFresh leaves are called methi or fenugreek, so keep your eyes peeled for either. Lots of Indian supermarkets will stock fresh, and most will stock frozen. Either is fine.
Fresh: remove the leaf part only and discard the woody stem. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt and grit.
Frozen: Defrost before use and give a gentle squeeze to remove any excess water.
Dried methi leaves and fenugreek seedsThese can be found in all Indian supermarkets and some regular supermarkets now. Look out for Methi Kasoori on the label for dried leaves. Methi seeds are most commonly called fenugreek seeds. Both are easy to find online.To get the most flavour from dried leaves, rub the leaves between your palms to make a powder. Your hands will smell amazing all day (added bonus!).