Vendhaya Keerai Poriyal / Methi Theecha / Menthiya Soppu Palya

Vendhaya keerai is also called methi leaves or fenugreek leaves. It has a light bitter taste.

When we fry it with onion, garlic, and green chilli, with a little lime juice, the bitter taste goes away. It becomes tasty, warm, and nice to eat.

This poriyal is special because of its texture. The leaves stay light and fresh. They do not become soft and mushy. The roasted peanuts give a nice crunch in every bite. Lime juice at the end makes it fresh and tasty.

This dish goes well with chapathi, South Indian meals, and millet rotis.

Recipe Video from Vidyascooking Youtube Channel 🙂 

Vendhaya Keerai Poriyal Ingredients

1 Bunch Methi / Vendhaya Keerai

1 Medium Size Onion Finely Chopped 

3 Green Chilies 

15 to 20 Pods Garlic 

4 Tbsp Roasted Peanuts 

1 Tsp Cumin Seeds 

1/4 Tsp Asafoetida 

3 Tsp Oil

1/2 Lime 

1 Tsp Salt 

Prep:

1. Sort and pluck only the tender fenugreek leaves.

2. Soak them in a large pot of water for 5 minutes to remove mud and dust. Rinse at least 4 times until clean, then drain in a colander.

3. Finely chop the fenugreek leaves and keep aside.

4. Peel and wash the onion and garlic. Finely chop the onion. Roughly chop the garlic.

5. Remove the stems from the chillies, wash, and slit them.

6. Dry roast the peanuts on low flame till golden. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool. Rub and remove the skin. Discard the skin and keep the peanuts aside.

7. Wash lime chop in half and reserve.

Grind:

In a mixerjar add half the amount of cumin, garlic, 2 green chilies and roasted peanuts roughly grind until coarse paste. 

Method:

1. Heat oil in a kadai. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Let it splutter.

2. Add garlic and green chillies. Fry for a few seconds.

3. Add onion and fry till soft and light golden. Add the ground peanuts and mix.

4. Add the chopped fenugreek leaves and salt. Mix well. Add 1/4 cup water stir and cover.

5. Cook on medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes till the leaves shrink and the water dries up. Do not overcook.

7. Switch off the flame. Dishout to a serving plate garnish with roasted peanuts, serve hot - Enjoy!