If you are looking forward to something nice and spicy to match your taste palette, we have to recommend a plate of mirchi bhaji! You heard that right! Mirchi bhaji is not for the souls which are too soft and tender to bear the hot and spicy flavors; it was curated for the brave hearts. So in this article, we will share with you the secrets of making mirchi bhaji! Delectable, easy, and with our tips, you can get it prepared in no time. So hold tight because, by the end of this evening, you will have a plate full of Mirchi fries on the table.
A glimpse into the world of mirchi bhaji
Also known as Mirapakaya Bajji in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, this is a proper street-style snack that often the locals indulge in. However, the popularity of mirchi bhaji is not restricted to simply these states but has spread across the country. Imagine yourself sitting at home while it is monsoon outside! Don't you crave something munchy, hot, and crispy with tea?
That is when you need to make the mirchi bhaji. The alluring aroma and the delicious bite will make you crave this one more and more. Many times you will come across these food stalls and thele waale bhaiya excelling at mirchi bhaji and other crispy snacks! We don't need to remind you of the long queue in front of his cart.
What is mirchi bhaji
Let's take a closer look at the composition of mirchi bhaji before we begin. Is it simply chili fried in oil? Definitely not! Of course, there is more to this mirchi bhaji recipe. The long chilis are coated in a besan batter which is seasoned with spices and other ingredients.
The better the batter you make, the more gorgeous and appealing the taste of the bhaji. So, this is basically a form of chili fritters that are sold in shops and you can even make them at home. No rocket science goes behind the creation of this lovely snack ideal for monsoon evenings with tea.
However, there is one thing you must make sure of before you begin! Deseed the chilis before you coat them in batter and fry them in the oil. Seeds may not be the healthiest thing in chilis and you should avoid them if you don't wish to harm your stomach. You can later on stuff the chilis with items like chopped onions, coriander leaves, tomatoes, and so on!
It is up to you whether you choose to use the simple besan-coated chilis as your snacks or have them with stuffing. Of course, adding the stuffing will take more time than a simple batter fry but we can put a little effort into our hearty snack, can't we? Serve the chili bhajis with roasted peanuts, chaat masala, tamarind chutneys, or whatever you like.
Steps and top tips to make green chilis at home
Start with making the greens
Yup, let's begin with the chilis! You have to slit or section them into two or three longitudinal pieces and then remove all the seeds that it carries. However, don't forget to rinse them first. Once you are done, you can move on and start with pat drying them with a paper towel. If there is too much wetness, you might not get the crispy texture.
Look, if you want your bhaji to be extremely hot then you can of course keep the seeds intact otherwise tame it down with deseeding the shells.
How do you prepare the stuffing
Next up is the stuffing! We would ask you to make the stuffing to enhance the taste and the flavor of the dish but you can certainly choose to skip it if you are opting for a quicker snack. Crushed or grounded ajwain is mixed with salt and some tamarind paste. This is going to be the initial layer of stuffing! Next, you can go for the onion stuffing which is the final one. Chop the onions into small slices and then add some chopped coriander leaves to it as well. Add a dash of lemon juice to acquire the zesty hint. Other ingredients in the stuffing that you need for stuffing include chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and chaat masala.
Now, make the bhaji batter
Finally, you have to make the smooth besan batter for your bhaji. You shall need a smooth blend of cornstarch, besan, baking soda, salt, and carom seeds. Add a pinch of chili and turmeric powder for the color and seasoning. Add water to create a thick batter. Make sure you whisk it well so that there are no lumps in it!
Now, all you need to do is deep fry and enjoy your chili bhajis!