Even though fenugreek is a pulse, as lentils are, the seed is used as a spice.
The seeds don’t really look like seeds. They look more like little chunky pebbles and are, in fact, just about as hard to grind. The seeds are brownish, about 1/8 inch long (3 mm), and have a furrow on them from top to bottom. When ground, the powder is a yellowish-brown colour.
Fenugreek powder smells vaguely like maple syrup. Use sparingly because it has a bitter flavour, which some people even find overwhelming.
Fenugreek seed is used in curry powder, in chutneys and even in imitation maple syrup.
The seed can be bought whole or ground.