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Home » Knowledge

Fenugreek Substitutes – The 7 Best Options

Nate TeagueWritten by Nate Teague · Updated on January 26, 2023 · As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases

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Fenugreek is an everyday spice used in Indian cuisine, adding a nutty, caramel-like flavor to curries, soups, and sauces. It is a popular spice used in blends like garam masala and panch phoran.

fenugreek substitutes

Whether you need a substitute for fenugreek seeds or leaves, we’ve pulled together our favorite alternatives to help you finish any dish.

Table of Contents
  • What are the best fenugreek substitutes?
  • Summary
  • Where can I buy fenugreek?
  • What is fenugreek used for in the kitchen?
  • Watch a quick video for substitutes
  • What Does Fenugreek Taste Like?
  • How to Cook Butter Chicken Without Fenugreek
  • Recipe
  • Infographic: Fenugreek Substitutes
  • Final Words

What are the best fenugreek substitutes?

To replace fenugreek seeds in a recipe, use a combination of mustard seeds and maple syrup. Other useful replacements include masala curry powder, curry powder, fennel seeds, or celery seeds. Mustard greens, celery leaves, or kale are good options if you need to replace fenugreek leaves. 

1. Yellow Mustard Seeds and Maple Syrup

best substitute for fenugreek

Use yellow mustard seeds or, if you’re in a pinch, brown mustard seeds. They provide a similar, mildly bitter earthiness that you also get from fenugreek.

Add the same quantity of mustard as fenugreek is called for in the recipe. To get the sweet, caramel flavor, add a splash of maple syrup.

2. Masala Curry Powder

garam masala powder

Masala powder is a good fenugreek substitute that provides sweetness thanks to the addition of cinnamon. Cloves have a pungency that provides some similarity to fenugreek. Round off the masala with a sprinkle of toasted brown sugar.

3. Curry Powder

curry powder in a glass bowl

Curry powder is a British creation that has a similar flavor profile to masala. It usually contains fenugreek as a part of the mix, so it’s well worth using as a substitute.

4. Fennel Seeds

fennel seeds spilled from a wooden scoop
Fennel seeds are overpowering; don't overdo it.

Fennel seeds are overpowering, so don’t overdo it. They have a characteristic taste of anise, which won’t work in every dish as a backup. If you’re making a meat rub or need to grind up a spice mix, then you can use fennel seeds. The result will be different but still enjoyable.

You can add some lightly toasted, crushed mustard seeds to balance out the sweetness of the fennel.

5. Mustard Greens

fresh mustard greens

Mustard greens are a spicy, bitter-tasting leaf that can be used raw or cooked. Sprinkle them into curries and stir-fries.

6. Celery Leaves

fresh celery leaves

Celery offers a slightly bitter flavor that you also get from fenugreek. Use the leaves in any dish that calls for fenugreek leaves.

If you’re making a spice mix, then celery seeds are also an excellent choice. Chinese celery will work well if you have it, but it's not such a common option.

7. Kale

freshly harvested lacinato kale
Fresh green curly kale leaves on a wooden table.

Cook these greens before serving to reduce their bitter taste. They’re a good option for casseroles and curries that use fenugreek leaves.

Summary

Let's look at the list of the best substitutes for fenugreek again, shall we?

SubstituteNotes
Yellow Mustard Seeds and Maple SyrupBest replacement for fenugreek seeds.
Masala Curry PowderGood option if you're in a pinch to replace seeds.
Curry PowderGood option if you're in a pinch to replace seeds.
Fennel SeedsReplace fenugreek seeds with a fresher flavor.
Mustard GreensBest option to replace fenugreek leaves.
Celery LeavesUseful option if you're in a pinch to replace fenugreek leaves.
KaleUseful option if you're in a pinch to replace fenugreek leaves.

Where can I buy fenugreek?

Fenugreek is sold at Indian grocers, and you can also stock your cupboard with some Fenugreek Leaves (Kasoori Methi) or Fenugreek Powder from Amazon. Both of these products will bring incredible flavor to your next curry.

Related Articles:

  • If you're cooking Indian you may also need a substitute for turmeric.
  • Up your Indian cuisine knowledge - Saag paneer vs palak paneer.
  • What are the top substitutes for khoya in sweet desserts?

What is fenugreek used for in the kitchen?

  • The leaves are used as a herb in sauces, bread, and soups.
  • Enhance curry powder blends such as panch phoran.
  • The seeds work as a flavorsome spice, slow-cooked to enhance their flavor.
  • Infused in tea or as a coffee substitute.
  • Use as a meat rub and in chutneys.

As a spice, it works well with bitter-tasting vegetables like kale and rapini leaves. It will hold its own against the more overwhelming spices like paprika and coriander. It is important to toast the seeds a little and then grind them fresh. With this spice, a little goes a long way.

Watch a quick video for substitutes

What Does Fenugreek Taste Like?

Fenugreek seeds have a nutty, sweet flavor that is often compared to celery and maple syrup. Although they have intense bitterness when eaten raw, once cooked, they soften, adding dark caramel notes to food. Fenugreek leaves are intensely musky and aromatic. 

Did you know? Fenugreek is used by fake maple syrup manufacturers to produce maple syrup.

How to Cook Butter Chicken Without Fenugreek

Recipe

butter chicken recipe

Butter Chicken Without Fenugreek

Try this recipe for butter chicken that makes use of masala powder in place of fenugreek.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Marinate 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Main
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

The Chicken Marinade

  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 2 Tbsp masala powder or paste
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 pound chicken breast cubed
  • 1.5 Tbsp vegetable oil

The Butter Chicken Sauce

  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1 Tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp masala powder or paste

Instructions
 

To make the chicken

  • Combine ginger, garlic, masala, and yogurt in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly mixed.
  • Mix in chicken until the meat is coated then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

To make the sauce

  • Add butter and vegetable oil to a large saucepan and heat on medium. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  • Add ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds, all the while stirring then pour in tomatoes, coriander, cumin, chili, and cook for 7 minutes. Add a little water if the sauce starts bubbling.
  • Switch off the heat, and pour the sauce into a food processor, blend until smooth. If the texture is too thick, add ¼ cup water and mix until combined.

Pulling it all together

  • Heat the oil in a large pan on a medium heat then add chicken. Add the chicken without pouring in the leftover marinade from the container. Cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  • Pour in the sauce and stir through. Heat until bubbling then stir in the cream and garam masala.

Notes

Serve with basmati rice and a wedge of lemon.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 29gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 927mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 966IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 133mgIron: 3mg
Keyword butter chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Related Article:

  • Butter chicken vs. chicken tikka masala - what's the difference?
  • Basmati rice vs. jasmine rice - get the full comparison.

Infographic: Fenugreek Substitutes

fenugreek substitutes infographic 1

Final Words

Fenugreek is a herb, or spice, that offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to dishes. In its raw form, it is bitter and unpleasant for many. Once cooked, it is much milder.

The best fenugreek substitute is toasted yellow mustard seed that has been crushed. Adding a splash of maple syrup will further enhance the flavor profile and help you create an authentic meal.

Do you have a favorite alternative to fenugreek when you’re in a bind? Please reach out and let us know.

Related posts:

  1. 12 Best Celery Seed Substitutes in Cooking
  2. HelloFresh Spice Blends
  3. 14 Chinese Five Spice Substitutes For Seasoning
  4. 17 Best Celery Substitutes in Cooking and Raw Recipes
  5. 11 Best Red Curry Paste Substitutes for Cooking
  6. Bay Leaf vs. Curry Leaf: Top 5 Differences

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Nate Teague

Nate Teague is a food writer who has been working in the food industry for the past decade. He writes for various cooking blogs and has a passion for making fine dining recipes accessible to the at-home cook.

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