Mirchicha Chatka (Fire Roasted Chillies with Yogurt)
A Fiery Maharashtrian Side Dish to Elevate Your Meal
Mirchicha Chatka is a zesty, smoky, and spicy Maharashtrian delicacy that pairs perfectly with traditional Indian bread like Bhakri or Roti, or even with Sabudana Khichdi (Sago Khichdi). This dish is simple yet bursting with flavors, made from fire-roasted green chillies blended with creamy yogurt, aromatic roasted cumin, and a pinch of sweetness to balance the heat. With its vibrant taste, this side dish adds a lovely kick to any meal, while being vegetarian-friendly. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish in just a few steps!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Chillies | 8 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) – Roasted | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) – Whisked | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves – Chopped | 2 sprigs (optional) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25-30 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
1. Fire-Roasting the Green Chillies:
To start preparing Mirchicha Chatka, the first step is to roast the green chillies. Hold each green chilly with a fork or skewer and roast it directly over a flame. If you don’t have access to an open flame, you can roast the chillies on a hot iron griddle or grill them in the oven. Roast the chillies until they develop black spots, and the skin is slightly charred. This process infuses the chillies with a smoky aroma, which is key to the dish’s flavor profile. Once roasted, allow them to cool for a minute.
2. Grinding the Chillies:
After the chillies have cooled slightly, transfer them to a mortar and pestle. Add the roasted cumin seeds and gently pound the mixture to break down the chillies. The goal is not to make a fine paste but to coarsely grind the chillies for texture. If you prefer, you can use a grinder, but ensure the grind is coarse, not fine. This will give the dish its signature rustic texture.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the coarsely ground chillies with the whisked curd (yogurt). Add the sugar, salt, and chopped coriander leaves to the mixture, and stir everything together until well combined. The yogurt will help balance out the heat from the chillies, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to cut through the spice.
4. Serving:
Mirchicha Chatka is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy its fresh, smoky flavor. However, if you prefer, you can let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste, especially if the dish is prepared in advance.
5. Serving Suggestions:
Serve this fiery side dish alongside Bhakri (a type of Indian flatbread), Roti, or even as an accompaniment to a bowl of Sabudana Khichdi (Sago Khichdi). It can also be enjoyed as a spicy dip for snacks or grilled meats.
Tips for the Perfect Mirchicha Chatka:
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Choose the right chillies: The heat level of this dish depends heavily on the green chillies you use. For a milder version, use milder varieties of green chillies. If you’re up for the heat, go for the spicier varieties.
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Roast well: Ensure the chillies are roasted thoroughly over the flame. A good char enhances the flavor, giving the dish its signature smoky taste.
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Customizing sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweeter version, you can increase the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the balance between the spicy chillies and yogurt is key to the dish.
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Yogurt consistency: Make sure the yogurt is smooth and well-whisked to blend easily with the chillies. A thicker yogurt may give a richer texture, while a slightly thinner yogurt will create a lighter consistency.
Why You’ll Love Mirchicha Chatka
Mirchicha Chatka brings together the earthy heat of roasted chillies and the cool, creamy yogurt in perfect harmony. It’s an excellent way to introduce some spicy excitement to your meals while keeping things simple and traditional. The added benefit of this dish is its flexibility – it can be made ahead, served immediately, or chilled for a few minutes to intensify its flavors. Whether as a side dish with Indian bread or a zesty dip for snacks, Mirchicha Chatka is sure to add a burst of flavor to your table!
Enjoy the taste of Maharashtrian cuisine with this easy-to-make, flavorful Mirchicha Chatka.
