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Curry leaves = meetha
neem = kari patta = daun kari (Indonesian) = Bai
Karee (Thai ) = Pindosin (Burma)
These are the shiny green leaves of a
hardwood tree that is indigenous to India. They are
widely used in Indian cooking, especially in South
India and Sri Lanka, and were introduced into
Malaysia by Tamil immigrants. The spear-shaped
leaves grow on a thin stem. They are slightly
serrated, with a pale underside, and are not unlike
small bay leaves.
Curry leaves have an intriguing warm
fragrance, with just a hint of sweet, green pepper
or tangerine. The full flavor is released when the
leaves are bruised dishes, they impart a distinctive
flavor. Dried curry leaves come a very poor second
to fresh, and rapidly lose their fragrance.
The leaves are used whole or torn in
India, Malay and Indonesian curries. Fried in ghee,
with mustard seeds, they make a good addition to
dhals.
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Fenugreek
leaves = holba = methi leaves
This mildly bitter herb is believed
to have medicinal properties. Dried leaves, either
whole or ground, are called
kasuri methi, and they're a good
substitute for fresh. Look for fresh
or dried leaves in Indian markets.
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