Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji (Maharashtrian Bell Pepper and Gram Flour Stir Fry)
Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji is a simple yet flavorful dish from the heart of Maharashtra, offering a savory combination of green bell peppers (capsicum) and gram flour (besan) cooked with a medley of spices. This delicious side dish is perfect to complement your everyday meals like Phulka (Indian flatbread) and Panchmel Dal (mixed lentils), or it can be enjoyed as a stuffing in Tawa Paratha rolls for lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this high-protein vegetarian dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 2, chopped |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
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Roast the Gram Flour: Begin by dry roasting the gram flour (besan) in a pan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously until it turns aromatic and slightly golden. Once roasted, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.
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Prepare the Tempering: In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them crackle and splutter.
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Add the Aromatics: Once the seeds have spluttered, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), a few curry leaves, and a dry red chilli to the pan. Fry them for a few seconds to release their flavors.
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Cook the Onions and Green Chillies: Add the slit green chillies and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
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Add the Green Bell Peppers: Now, add the chopped green bell peppers (capsicum) to the pan. Cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers become slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
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Season the Vegetables: Once the bell peppers are cooked, add turmeric powder, salt, red chilli powder, amchur powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder to the pan. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
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Add the Roasted Gram Flour: Gradually sprinkle the roasted gram flour (besan) into the pan, one tablespoon at a time. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the besan is added, mix thoroughly to combine it with the peppers and spices.
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Finish the Dish: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and the garam masala powder to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices and gram flour coat the bell peppers evenly. Continue cooking on medium-high heat for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If needed, sprinkle a little water to help bind everything together, instead of using more oil.
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Serve: Once cooked, your Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji is ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with Phulka and Panchmel Dal, or can be rolled into Tawa Paratha for a delightful lunch or snack.
Tips for the Best Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies and red chilli powder based on your preference for heat. For a milder version, you can reduce the chillies.
- Crispiness: To maintain the crispness of the bell peppers, cook them uncovered and avoid overcooking. The slight crunch adds to the texture of the dish.
- Consistency: If you prefer a slightly moist consistency, add a tablespoon of water while cooking instead of using extra oil.
Enjoy this traditional Maharashtrian dish as a flavorful and protein-packed addition to your meals.
