For 2022, the Berryville Library is hosting its own Books, Spice, and Everything Nice spice club. Stop by the library to get the spice of the month and then stop by the blog on the first Tuesday of the month for recipes and more information on the featured spice. We’ll also be adding monthly posts about cookbooks in our collection. For August, our spice is fenugreek!
Fenugreek is heavily associated with the cuisine of India, though it is a mainstay for cooks in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean too. We’re highlighting dishes from the Middle East, India, and Ethiopia for this unique spice.
Want something new to add to your dinner routine? Try the pan-fried falafel!
In need of a new addition for your barbeque? Try the hilbeh.
Looking for a new chicken recipe? Try Madhur Jaffrey’s fenugreek chicken.
Want a potato dish? Try the Indian potato subzi with fenugreek and fennel.
On the hunt for a new spice blend? Try the easy Ethiopian berbere spice blend.
Unsure how to use berbere? Try the berbere spiced chicken breasts. (Admittedly the recipe doesn’t use fenugreek, but the spice blend does! And you can also use it for both pork or lamb.)
Prefer to wing it? Just follow your heart–and the flavor profile suggestions–on recommended uses and pairings.
Not a cook? You might still learn something (and be amused) with the history and trivia about the spice.
Please be sure to update us about how you used fenugreek in August. You can tell us in the comments here on the blog, share them with us on Facebook or Instagram with the #bplspice hashtag, or stop by the library.
Still looking for some ways to use fenugreek in your kitchen? Even though I ultimately didn’t include them in the handout, I was also intrigued by Creamy Curry Fenugreek Sauce, Methi Adraki Gobi (Indian Cauliflower with Fenugreek and Ginger), and Lebanese Helbeh (Fenugreek Cake).
Recipes in handout lightly adapted from originals in Williams Sonoma, dish, GoodTo, Vegan Richa, and All Recipes (here and here).
What’s your favorite recipe that uses fenugreek? Which recipe are you most excited to try? What spices do you use the most in your cooking? Tell us in the comments!
Berryville Book Buzz 
Oh I like this one! That is definitely a rare herb used in cooking, at least in the United States.
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Yes it’s definitely the rarest one we’re doing this year! I’m very excited to try it! 🙂
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