Wednesday, August 22, 2012

What is Kasuri Methi and why did you put it in a beer?!

Kasuri Methi is the Indian name for dried fenugreek.  I spiced a Belgian-style beer I call Fenugreek Belgian Special.  This will be released as soon as the Oaked Himalayan IPA first batch runs out. (don’t worry, that’s coming back in a month!). 

Fenugreek is used in all sorts of Indian and Pakistan dishes used either in the seed form, or the dried leaves.  I really like the aroma of the dried fenugreek leaves as they smell sweet and remind me of celery, fennel and sweet onion.  Don’t worry this weird description actually tastes awesome and is more dessert-like (like putting vegetables in a cookie….gross!  until you have a gingersnap or carrot cake, am I right?).  

To give you some more info on fenugreek:

  • 80% of the world’s output is from India
  • Some Ethiopians use it as a cure for diabetes
  • Some Yemenite Jews eat this daily and ceremoniously on the 1st/2nd night of Rosh Hashana
  • the seeds are thought to increase the milk production in lactating women
  • the seeds are rich in Galactomannans
  • universal spice for many foods

Some food uses for Fenugreek (besides beer flavoring):

  • Potatoes
  • Chicken, lamb, seafood
  • Lentils, beans
  • Curries
  • Mussels
  • Cabbage
  • Alu Gobi
  • Soups

Come give the FBS a try, it will be tapped early during the week (Aug 27th, 2012)

Prost!

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