Lasooni Methi / Methi Garlic Sabzi

Ingredients

• Methi leaves, washed and roughly chopped, as shown
• 3 tbsp oil (for sautéing garlic and methi)
• 15–17 chopped garlic cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tbsp oil (for the masala)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Chopped ginger, as shown
• Chopped garlic, as shown
• 1 cup chopped onions
• Chopped tomatoes, as shown
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 3 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp sugar
• Water, a little, as shown
• ¾ cup tomato puree
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp roasted chana dal
• ½ cup water (for the nut paste)
• ¾ cup hot water

Steps

1. Prepare the methi: wash and roughly chop the methi leaves; set aside.
2. Sauté garlic and methi: heat 3 tbsp oil; add 15–17 chopped garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Add the chopped methi leaves and a pinch of salt; sauté 2–3 minutes until the methi softens slightly. Transfer to a bowl and keep aside.
3. Prepare the masala: in the same pan, heat 4 tbsp oil; add 1 tsp cumin seeds, followed by chopped ginger and garlic. Add 1 cup chopped onions; sauté until translucent. Add chopped tomatoes; cook until soft.
4. Reduce the flame; add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala and sugar. Add a little water; sauté until the spices blend with the oil. Add ¾ cup tomato puree and salt to taste; sauté until the raw smell disappears. Cover and cook until the oil separates from the gravy.
5. Prepare the nut paste: grind 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, 2 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp roasted chana dal with ½ cup water into a smooth paste. Add to the pan; sauté until it releases oil from the sides.
6. Finish the sabzi: add ¾ cup hot water and mix well. Return the sautéed methi-garlic mixture to the pan; combine. Cook 2–3 minutes until the oil rises to the sides and the gravy thickens.
7. Serve hot with roti.

The reel

via @laxmi.rawal

Tips

• Salt the lentils near the end so they soften all the way.
• Pour the hot tadka on at the end, while it still sizzles.
• Too thick? A splash of hot water. Too thin? Simmer it uncovered for a few minutes.

Questions