Savory Fenugreek and Coriander Pancakes


Visit the Indian Food Glossary for information on the ingredients in this recipe
Savory Fenugreek and Coriander Pancakes

I am passionate about savory Indian flatbreads. They are a perfect accompaniment to curries and are easy to make too. They do require a bit of patience however because usually only one can be cooked in the skillet at a time. No matter. The effort is well worth it, and in this case the bread requires no kneading.

These pancakes feature fresh fenugreek leaves, an annual herb that I was lucky enough to get my hands on. It is commonly used in Indian cooking and that includes the seed and ground powder from the seed. Slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness, it is well worth using the fresh herb, but if you can't find it — and this is sometimes a challenge — substitute about 3/4 cup dried fenugreek — also known as "methi" — instead. Most Asian and Indian grocers carry the dried leaves, seeds and powder, and often the fresh leaves. These grocers will also carry chickpea flour and chapati (or "atta") flour, but for 1/2 cup of chapati flour you may substitute 1/3 cup sifted whole wheat flour and combine with enough pastry flour to make 1/2 cup.


Savory Fenugreek and Coriander PancakesSavory Fenugreek and Coriander Pancakes
Recipe by
Cuisine: Indian
Published on May 20, 2015

Thin, soft Indian flatbreads with a savory fenugreek and coriander flavor

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

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Masala paste:
  • 4 to 6 green chilies (or fewer if preferred), seeded and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1-inch fresh ginger, finely sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Pancake batter:
  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 1/2 cup chapati (atta) flour*
  • 1/3 cup chickpea (besan) flour
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafetida
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup whole fat yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water, or as needed
  • 1 2/3 cup fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), roughly chopped*
  • 3 tablespoons ghee or sesame oil for frying, or as needed
Instructions:
  • *Substitutions: Substitute 1/2 cup chapati flour with 2 parts sifted whole wheat flour and 1 part pastry flour. Substitute fresh fenugreek leaves with 3/4 cup dried fenugreek leaves.

  • For the paste, combine the chilies, garlic, ginger, salt and 1 teaspoon of water in a small blender to blend into a paste. Alternately, use a mortar and pestle.

  • Whisk together the flours, cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, asafetida, salt and sugar in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the yogurt, 1 cup of the water to start with, and the fenugreek leaves. Stir well to combine, adding more water until the batter is pourable but fairly thick.

  • Line a plate with a large piece of foil.

  • Heat a few teaspoons of ghee or oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. When hot, ladle about 1/2 cup of the batter into the hot pan and spread out in a circular fashion with the back of the ladle into a thin 7- or 8-inch round. Cover and let cook for a minute. With a spatula, gently flip the pancake and cook for another few minutes, until the bread is golden brown. Transfer the pancake to the plate, fold the foil over to cover, and repeat the process until all of the pancakes are cooked.

  • Enjoy warm or reheat them in a 175°F oven. They are best when served the same day that they are made.

Makes about 10 pancakes

Indian Fenugreek Pancakes with Coriander

Other savory Indian breads to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Besan Roti
Fenugreek Roti
Chickpea Flour Pancakes (Pudla) with Crushed Peas, Ginger, Chilies and Cilantro
Mixed Lentil and Rice Indian Pancakes

2 comments:

Joanne said...

I LOOOVVEE the flavor of fresh fenugreek! One of my coworkers makes pancakes like this and they are the best.

Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian said...

I just made a gf vegan version of these delicious pancakes - they were a big hit! I subbed millet flour for chapati flour, cashew/soy yogurt for dairy yogurt, and a pinch of chipotle powder for the chilis (since I didn't have any). I found fresh fenugreek at an Indian grocery. Fried with coconut oil instead of ghee. Next time I'll try them with fresh cilantro if I can't get fenugreek.