Indian street food called Mirchi Bajji, or Mirchi Pakora, is tasty and crunchy, and it’s great as an appetizer or as a snack. Easy to make at home in 30 minutes, this spicy treat is made with huge green chilies dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Allow us to walk you through making the greatest mirchi bajji recipe, which will leave your taste buds aching for more, with this straightforward but accurate recipe.
Ingredients for the Mirchi Bajji Recipe
To create this delightful street snack, gather the following ingredients:
- Large Green Chilies (preferably Bhavnagri or any mild variety) – 8 to 10 pieces
- Besan (Gram Flour) – 1 cup
- Rice Flour – 2 tablespoons, for added crunch.
- Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Soda – a pinch
- Red Chili Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (Hing) – a pinch
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as required for the batter
- Oil – for deep frying
- Chaat Masala – for sprinkling
- Tamarind or Mint Chutney – for serving
Step-by-Step Mirchi Bajji Recipe
1. Preparing the Green Chilies
Washing the green chilies well is the first step. Using a fresh kitchen towel, pat them dry. Make a long incision on one side of each chili, taking care not to cut them in two. This will enable you to eliminate the seeds from the chilies, so lessening their heat.
To balance the flavors and add even more interest to the snack, you may stuff hot peppers in a potato mixture or tart tamarind sauce for an additional twist.
2. Making the Batter
Toss together besan, rice flour, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt in a mixing dish. The flavor and crunch of the mirchi bajji are mostly derived from these ingredients.
Toss in a pinch of baking soda with the dry mixture. This will contribute to the chiles’ fluffy, airy covering. To get the batter to be smooth, mix the ingredients and gradually add the water. The batter should be just thick enough to coat the chilies without being overly thin.
3. Heating the Oil
Apply medium-high heat to oil in a deep pan. Drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil to see if it’s ready to fry. The oil is ready if it swiftly bubbles up to the surface.
4. Frying the Mirchi Bajji
Make sure to completely coat each prepared chili by dipping it into the batter that has been made. Drop the coated chilies into the boiling oil with caution. To prevent the oil from cooling down too much and becoming soggy, fry the bajjis in batches.
To achieve even cooking, turn the mirchi bajjis occasionally while they are frying until they are golden brown and crispy. When finished, take them out with a slotted spoon and put them on a dish covered with paper towels to soak up extra oil.
5. Serving Mirchi Bajji
To add even more taste to the newly fried mirchi bajjis, sprinkle some chaat masala on top. Serve them hot with your favorite dip, or with tamarind or mint chutney. The combination of the soft, moderately spicy chili interior and the crispy exterior batter is simply irresistible.
Tips for Making the Mirchi Bajji Recipe
- Choose the Right Chilies: Use larger green chilies, such as Bhavnagri chilies, for a milder variation. These taste softer and are ideal for preparing mirchi bajji. Go for the smaller, spicier types if you like your heat hotter.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the chilies without causing them to leak excessively. This will guarantee that the coating adheres effectively and crisps up when it’s cooked.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil’s temperature at the proper level. The bajji will turn brown too rapidly on the outside and stay uncooked on the inside if the oil is too hot. Should the oil be excessively chilled, the bajji will retain an excessive amount of oil and turn oily.
- Serving Suggestions: Add some spiced mashed potatoes or a crisp salad to your mirchi bajji for a more substantial supper. Additionally, it pairs nicely with ginger tea or masala chai, two types of Indian tea.
Variations of mirchi bajji recipe
1. Stuffed Mirchi Bajji
Stuff the chiles with a seasoned potato mixture and then dip them in the batter for a heartier snack. Boil and mash the potatoes to produce the stuffing, then combine them with finely chopped green chilies, chaat masala, cumin, and coriander powder. Before the chilies are fried and covered in batter, they should be filled with this mixture. This version gives the classic mirchi bajji a hearty twist.
2. Cheese-Stuffed Mirchi Bajji
Tuck some cheese inside the chiles before frying them for a unique fusion flavor. A creamy, gooey surprise is created as the cheese melts inside the chili, contrasting well with the crispy batter. For this variant, mozzarella or cheddar works great.
3. Bajji with a Twist
To add even more flavor to the batter, try experimenting with adding finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and curry leaves. These herbs will provide a pleasant and aromatic edge to your mirchi bajji recipe.
Healthier Options: Baking or Air-Frying Mirchi Bajji
Baking or air-frying your mirchi bajji is a healthier option. Warm up the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the coated chiles on a baking tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through to guarantee uniform browning.
As an alternative, set up your air fryer to 180°C and cook the mirchi bajjis for 12 to 15 minutes. For an air-fried crispy finish without adding extra oil, lightly spritz or brush the coated chilies with oil.
Why Mirchi Bajji is a Popular Snack
In southern Indian states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where it is a famous street meal, mirchi bajji has a distinct position in the cuisine. It’s a favorite snack for rainy days and festive occasions because of its tempting blend of crunchy batter and fiery chilies. mirchi bajji recipe is a popular party snack because of its flavorful crunch and strong taste, which go well with hot tea or other hot beverages.
Variations of this food are found throughout India, adding to its versatility. Some people prefer it simply, while others eat it with a filling. Mirchi bajji, no matter how it’s made, never fails to make people happy.
Conclusion
Preparing mirchi bajji at home is an easy yet satisfying task. You can make this tasty, crispy snack that will wow your family and friends in about 30 minutes. The secret to a flawless mirchi bajji recipe is the balance of spices, the crispiness of the batter, and the freshness of the chilies, whether you follow the classic recipe or try some new ones.
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