Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Its seeds and leaves are widely used as spices and herbs in different recipes.
Fenugreek comes with a slightly sweet aroma and a bitter taste. Both the herbs and seeds can be used in cooking, but the flavor will be slightly different.
However, if you’re in the middle of a cooking and suddenly run out of this flavorful spice, there are some fenugreek substitutes that can help you finish the recipe.
Continue reading to explore some of the amazing substitutes for fenugreek, for both the spice and leaves.
Fenugreek Substitutes for The Spice
1. Curry Powder
Curry powder is a spice mix that was originated from the Indian subcontinent. This spice is typically made using coriander, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, and chili powder.
Due to the presence of ground fenugreek seed, this spice mix may bring a similar flavor in a dish that calls for it.
Besides, curry powder is quite healthy as it contains some powerful spices that are rich in nutrients. Research published in 2005 explains its efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease. [1]
2. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds come from the flowering plant species that are a member of the carrot family. [2]
Although the seeds are quite popular as a spice, its bulb can also be an excellent flavoring agent in recipes that require fenugreek.
There are slight differences in flavor between these two spices. However, it can still make a great alternative to fenugreek.
3. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is typically produced from the xylem sap of red maple, sugar maple, or the black maple trees. It’s a popular natural sweetener that is mostly used in pancakes, oatmeal, waffles, and porridge. [3]
Maple syrup contains a fragrant compound named sotolone, which you can also find in fenugreek. Due to the presence of this component, it can bring a similar sweet smell of this popular spice.
However, while replacing fenugreek, use maple syrup sparingly. Otherwise, your recipe can become extremely sweet.
Fenugreek Substitutes for The Leaves
4. Watercress
Watercress is a dark, leafy green vegetable that is part of the Brassicaceae family. It is one of the oldest leafy greens consumed by humans.
It comes with round leaves and edible stems that taste a bit peppery and spicy. Apart from its taste and flavor, watercress also contains numerous amount of nutrients.
A cup of watercress offers more than 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin K. [4]
This antioxidant-rich leafy vegetable can be an inexpensive and easy alternative to fenugreek in meal preparation.
5. Celery Leaf
Celery leaf may work as an alternative to fenugreek leaves in some recipes. Primarily known as a throwaway top of the stalks, these leaves are nutritious, delicious, and packed with flavors.
When used in a recipe, celery leaf can closely mimic the taste and flavor of fenugreek leaf. Although it’s a viable substitute for fresh fenugreek leaf, it can replace the dried version as well.
6. Spinach
Spinach is called one of the healthiest foods in the world, and there are good reasons behind it. This superfood is rich in nutrients that are beneficial for your health and skin. [5]
The bitterness of spinach leaf can bring almost the similar taste of fenugreek in a dish. However, the taste of spinach is more subtle, so use it more than the fenugreek leaves in a recipe.
Bottom Line
Fenugreek is not a readily available spice, so it’s important to know which alternative to this spice you have at your disposal.
Not all substitutes will work for both the spice and the leaves. While some of these options work best for the seeds, others may easily replace the leaves in your recipe.
You can also use them interchangeably to find out which flavor works best for you.
