Mirchi Bajji Recipe
Mirchi Bajji |
Mirchi Bajji, also known as chili fritters, is a popular Indian snack made with large green chilies and gram flour batter. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious snack:
#### Ingredients:
- **Large Green Chilies**: 8-10 (preferably less spicy varieties like Bhavnagari chilies)
- **Gram Flour (Besan)**: 1 cup
- **Rice Flour**: 2 tablespoons
- **Baking Soda**: 1/4 teaspoon
- **Carom Seeds (Ajwain)**: 1/2 teaspoon
- **Cumin Seeds (Jeera)**: 1/2 teaspoon
- **Turmeric Powder**: 1/4 teaspoon
- **Red Chili Powder**: 1/2 teaspoon
- **Asafoetida (Hing)**: a pinch
- **Salt**: to taste
- **Water**: as needed to make a batter
- **Oil**: for deep frying
#### For Filling (optional but recommended):
- **Tamarind Pulp**: 2 tablespoons
- **Roasted Cumin Powder**: 1 teaspoon
- **Chaat Masala**: 1 teaspoon
- **Salt**: to taste
- **Jaggery (optional)**: 1 tablespoon
#### Instructions:
##### 1. Preparing the Chilies:
1. Wash the green chilies thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Slit each chili lengthwise, keeping the stem intact and removing the seeds (if you prefer less heat).
3. Optionally, you can prepare a filling by mixing tamarind pulp, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and jaggery. Fill this mixture into the slitted chilies and set aside.
##### 2. Preparing the Batter:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, baking soda, carom seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth, thick batter without lumps. The batter should be of coating consistency.
##### 3. Frying the Bajjis:
1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
2. Dip each chili into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
3. Carefully slide the coated chilies into the hot oil.
4. Fry the chilies in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
5. Remove the fried bajjis with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
##### 4. Serving:
1. Serve the Mirchi Bajji hot with your favorite chutney, like mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
2. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala on top for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Mirchi Bajji with a cup of tea or coffee!