Fenugreek

Fenugreek, or "methi," is a plant in the legume family. Both its leaves and its seeds are used as an herb or spice in Indian cooking. Fenugreek is a staple in Indian cooking, imparting that characteristic savory bitterness in methi dishes. So it follows that India is one of the largest producers of fenugreek in the world. Methi dana (seeds) are used in a vaghaar for certain dishes like kadhi and dal dhokli and they are used as a base for pickles and so much more. Outside of Indian food, fenugreek also has a long culinary history. It was used to flavor wine in Ancient Rome as far back as the first century AD. Today, it is used to create a "maple" flavor in pancake syrup.