Maharashtrian Green Chilli Thecha Recipe
Spicy and Pungent, a Perfect Side Dish to Spice Up Your Meal
The Maharashtrian Green Chilli Thecha is a fiery and flavorful chutney that perfectly complements traditional Maharashtrian meals. This vibrant side dish is made by coarsely grinding fresh green chillies and garlic with a hint of salt, then tempering them with mustard seeds and asafoetida to bring out an unforgettable spicy punch. Though the Thecha may be intense in flavor, it pairs wonderfully with hearty Bajra Roti, Jowar Bhakri, or Methi Thalipeeth. Thecha is often stored in the refrigerator, ready to elevate any meal at a moment’s notice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Chillies | 15, chopped |
| Garlic | 10 cloves, chopped |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 4-5
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the green chillies and garlic. Place the chopped green chillies and garlic cloves into a mortar and pestle or a blender. Add salt to taste and grind the ingredients into a coarse paste. The consistency should not be too smooth—rough and textured is perfect for this dish.
- Once your Thecha paste is ready, transfer it into a small bowl or a clean bottle for later use.
- For the tempering, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small tadka pan (or tempering pan) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Once the mustard seeds crackle, quickly add the asafoetida (hing) and turn off the heat. The fragrance from the hing will infuse the oil.
- Pour the hot tempering over the green chilli and garlic paste. Stir well to mix the tempering into the paste, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Your Maharashtrian Green Chilli Thecha is now ready to serve. It pairs exceptionally well with warm Bajra Roti, Jowar Bhakri, or Methi Thalipeeth. For an extra touch, enjoy it with a cup of Gulkand chai for a truly authentic experience.
Tips for Storing:
- You can make this Thecha in a small batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors tend to deepen and develop, making it even more enjoyable the next day!
- For a milder version, reduce the number of green chillies or remove some of the seeds, but remember, Thecha is all about that fiery zing.
This Maharashtrian Green Chilli Thecha is sure to add a burst of flavor to any meal. Its fiery taste, combined with the aromatic tempering, creates a mouthwatering accompaniment to traditional flatbreads and savory dishes.
