Red Chilli Thecha – Maharashtrian Style Red Chilli Chutney Recipe
Red Chilli Thecha is an iconic Maharashtrian chutney that packs a punch with its fiery heat and aromatic flavors. It is commonly made in households across Maharashtra, where it is enjoyed as a side dish that elevates the simplest of meals. With just a handful of ingredients, including fresh red chilies, garlic, and mustard seeds, this chutney is the perfect accompaniment to a traditional meal, especially when paired with Bhakri or Roti and Dal Vangi. Its spicy flavor, enhanced by the tempering of mustard seeds and hing, makes it a true taste of Maharashtra.
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Red Chillies (chopped) | 15 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 15 cloves |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 2 teaspoons |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Grind the Red Chillies and Garlic
Begin by grinding the fresh red chillies, chopped garlic, and salt into a coarse paste. You can use a traditional mortar and pestle or a blender for this step. Once ground, transfer the paste into a clean bowl or a bottle to store for later use. -
Prepare the Tempering
In a small tadka pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds, releasing their flavor into the oil. Once they have spluttered, remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the asafoetida (hing). Stir briefly to combine. -
Combine the Paste and Tempering
Pour the hot tempering over the ground red chilli paste. Mix well to ensure the tempering is evenly incorporated into the chutney. This adds depth of flavor and a wonderful aroma to the Thecha. -
Storage and Serving
Once prepared, store the Red Chilli Thecha in an airtight bottle and refrigerate for future use. It can be enjoyed with Bhakri, Roti, or even as an accompaniment to Dal Vangi for a traditional Maharashtrian meal.
Tips
- Adjust the number of red chillies based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can grind the mixture more finely.
- This chutney can be stored for several days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Enjoy this authentic Maharashtrian-style Red Chilli Thecha and elevate your meals with its bold, spicy flavors!
