What To Use When Fenugreek Isn’t Available – 9 Fenugreek Substitutes

Some herbs and spices are used mainly for flavoring, and fenugreek is one such herb.

Used in all its fresh, dried and seeded forms, fenugreek is a must-have spice in Indian cuisines and is popular in some western dishes.

So let’s talk about a scenario, that is, your food requires fenugreek, but you don’t. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

Let’s look at 9 fenugreek substitutes:

Fenugreek Seeds Substitute (Fenugreek Powder Substitute)

Fenugreek has a sweet, nutty flavor closer to burnt sugar and maple syrup.

Now let’s look at spices and herbs that can replace fenugreek seeds. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

1. Maple syrup

Maple syrup is the closest ally of fenugreek leaves, as it smells and tastes very similar. This is because both contain a chemical compound called Sotolon.

Since it is the best fenugreek alternative in terms of aroma, you should add it last so that it does not fade sooner. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

How much is used?

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds = 1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds can be used instead of fenugreek to make it slightly sweet and spicy. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

It’s worth pointing out here that not all mustard seeds taste the same to you. White or Yellow mustard seeds are recommended because the black ones will give you a spicy flavor that is not necessary when replacing fenugreek seeds.

The recommended method is to crush and heat mustard seeds to reduce their strong flavor and make one of the perfect fenugreek substitutes. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

How much is used?

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds = ½ teaspoon mustard seeds

Fun facts

Ancient Egyptians used fenugreek for embalming, as seen in the tombs of many pharaohs.

3. Curry Powder

It’s not an exact match, but still, curry powder can be used as a substitute for fenugreek seeds, as it also contains fenugreek and some sweet spices that add shine and life to the dish. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

To get the most out of curry powder, cooking with oil is recommended to reduce its overpowering flavors.

How much is used?

1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds = 1 teaspoon of curry powder

4. Fennel Seeds

Quite surprisingly, fennel is from the carrot family, whose seeds resemble cumin, with a slightly sweet licorice-like flavor similar to cumin seeds. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

Since fennel seeds make food sweet, it is recommended to be used with mustard seeds.

How much is used?

1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds = ½ teaspoon fennel seeds

Fenugreek Leaves Substitute (Fresh Fenugreek Substitute)

Dishes that require fenugreek leaves can be easily replaced with the following fenugreek substitutes. (Fenugreek Substitutes)

5. Dried Fenugreek Leaves

The closest alternative to fresh fenugreek leaves is dried fenugreek leaves. You get almost the same taste and aroma, although the flavor of the dried leaves is a little more intense.

In Southeast Asian countries it is customary to collect and dry in winter and then use throughout the year. Another local name for the dried leaves of fenugreek is Kasoori Methi.

How much is used?

1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek leaves = 1 teaspoon of dried leaves

6. Celery Leaves

Celery leaves are another alternative to fresh fenugreek leaves because of their bitter taste. The darker the celery leaves, the more bitter they taste.

Although you may not get the same taste, you will get similar bitterness and sweetened notes.

How much is used?

1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek leaves = 1 tablespoon of celery leaves

7. Alfalfa Leaves

Alfalfa is another substitute for fenugreek leaves due to its mild and grassy chlorophyll flavor.

This is a grass-like herb with shoots that are too tender to cook and can also be eaten raw.

How much is used?
1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek leaves = 1 tablespoon of alfalfa

fun fact

A mysterious sweet scent that periodically enveloped the city of Manhattan between 2005 and 2009 was later discovered to belong to fenugreek seeds emitted by a food factory.

8. Spinach Leaves

The fresh green leaves of spinach also have a bitter taste. It’s pertinent to note here that the darker and larger spinach leaves are more bitter than baby spinach leaves.

How much is used?

1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek leaves = 1 tablespoon of spinach

9. Fenugreek seeds

Sounds funny, but yes. Its seeds can easily replace fresh fenugreek leaves, but be careful not to overheat them. Otherwise, it would become bitter.

How much is used?

1 tablespoon of fresh fenugreek leaves = 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds

Conclusion

The best fenugreek substitute is maple syrup for its same flavor. The next best alternative is yellow or white mustard; then it’s a bit far alternative curry powder etc.

Whichever substitute you plan to use, it is better to first read about its taste and aroma.

Which of these fenugreek substitutes have you tried yet? What is your experience with the backup you chose? Let us know in the comments section below.

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