Mirchi Bajji Recipe – Green Chili Fritters
Introduction
Mirchi Bajji, also known as Chili Bajji, is a beloved snack that hails from the vibrant streets of India, particularly in North Indian cuisine. These delectable green chili fritters are known for their spicy filling, crispy outer layer, and irresistible flavor. Perfectly enjoyed as a tea-time snack or an appetizer, they are best served hot, garnished with fresh onions and lemon wedges, and paired with a steaming cup of ginger tea.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Chillies (big) | 10 |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking Soda | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For deep frying |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Seeds (dry roasted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | To garnish |
| Red Chilli Powder | To taste |
| Lemon Juice | From 1 lemon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | Varies with salt |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Begin by coarsely grinding the ajwain (carom seeds) and roasted sesame seeds along with a pinch of salt using a mixer grinder. Set this mixture aside for later use.
-
-
Prepare the Green Chillies:
- Take the green chilies and carefully slit them lengthwise, ensuring not to cut them completely in half. Using the tip of a knife, gently remove the seeds along with the thick white vein inside. This will help reduce the heat while making room for the stuffing.
-
Stuff the Chilies:
- With your fingers, gently stuff each slit chili with the coarsely ground filling until they are adequately filled. Set these stuffed chilies aside.
-
Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), salt, and baking soda. Gradually add water to form a thick, smooth batter, whisking gently to avoid lumps. Set the batter aside to rest.
-
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep frying wok (kadai), heat enough sunflower oil for deep frying. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small ball of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
-
Fry the Mirchi Bajji:
- Dip each stuffed chili into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Carefully drop the batter-covered chilies into the hot oil, starting from the edge of the kadai to prevent splashing. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry on medium heat until the Mirchi Bajji turn a beautiful golden brown, usually around 5-7 minutes per batch.
-
Drain Excess Oil:
- Once fried, remove the Mirchi Bajji from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen paper towel to drain any excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve the hot Mirchi Bajji garnished with thinly sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander leaves. Enjoy these delicious fritters as a delightful tea-time snack, perfectly paired with a hot cup of Adrak Chai (Indian Style Ginger Tea).
Tips
- Adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter chilies according to your preference.
- For an extra crunch, you can add a pinch of rice flour to the batter.
- Serve with chutneys or sauces of your choice for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Mirchi Bajji, a crispy, spicy delight that captures the essence of Indian street food right in your kitchen!
