Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji: A Flavorful Maharashtrian Delight
Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji is a traditional Maharashtrian side dish made with green bell peppers (capsicum) and gram flour (besan). This simple yet flavorful recipe is a perfect accompaniment to your everyday meals and can be enjoyed with Phulka or Panchmel Dal. The dish is cooked with a medley of spices and tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, which brings out an aromatic, vibrant flavor that is distinct to Maharashtrian cuisine.
The secret to making this dish is the gradual incorporation of besan into the sabzi, which helps in avoiding any lumps and ensures a smooth, well-seasoned dish. The optional addition of water can help achieve the desired consistency, while keeping the dish moist and flavorful without making it too greasy. This recipe can be a great choice for a High Protein Vegetarian meal, offering a tasty combination of healthy vegetables and protein-rich gram flour.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), chopped | 2 |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chillies, slit | 2 |
| Spice Powders | |
| 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 |
| To Temper | |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all the ingredients. Chop the green bell peppers and onion, slit the green chillies, and gather the required spices.
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Roast the Besan: Dry roast the gram flour (besan) in a pan over low to medium heat. Stir frequently until it becomes aromatic. Once roasted, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.
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Temper the Spices: In the same pan, heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle and splutter. Once they do, add the asafoetida, curry leaves, and dry red chilli to the oil. Stir them for a few seconds to release their flavors.
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Cook the Onions and Chillies: Add the slit green chillies and finely chopped onions to the pan. Fry them until the onions turn translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Capsicum: Add the chopped green bell peppers (capsicum) to the pan. Cook them uncovered for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The capsicum should become slightly tender but still retain a bit of crunch.
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Add the Spices: Once the capsicum is cooked to your liking, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, salt, red chilli powder, amchur powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix everything well to coat the capsicum with the spices.
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Incorporate the Besan: Gradually sprinkle in the roasted besan, about one tablespoon at a time, while stirring continuously. This ensures that the besan does not form any lumps. Once the first tablespoon is well-mixed, continue adding the rest of the besan in this manner.
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Final Touch: After all the besan has been added, stir the sabzi to combine everything thoroughly. At this stage, you can sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of oil or a little water to adjust the consistency, depending on your preference. The water will help bring the sabzi together without making it too dry.
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Garam Masala: Sprinkle the garam masala powder over the cooked sabzi and give it a final mix. Let the dish cook on medium-high heat for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse and coat the capsicum and besan well.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji is ready! Serve it as a side dish with Phulka or Panchmel Dal for a wholesome meal. You can also enjoy it with Tawa Paratha for a delicious wrap.
This simple yet flavorful Maharashtrian side dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a part of a healthy, protein-rich vegetarian meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, Bhopli Mirchi Chi Peeth Perun Bhaji brings a burst of traditional flavors to your table.
