Mirchi Bajji Recipe

Mirchi Bajji, also known as Mirapakaya Bajji or Chilli Bajji, is a popular Indian street food snack. It consists of large green chillies dipped in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. This delectable treat is often served hot and garnished with chat masala and lemon juice, enhancing its tangy and spicy flavour. Mirchi Bajji is typically enjoyed with a variety of chutneys, such as mint and tamarind chutney, making it a beloved and flavourful snack across India, especially during the monsoon season.

Ingredients:

• Large green chillies (Bajji Mirchi): 8-10
• Besan (gram flour): 1 cup
• Rice flour: 2 tbsp
• Baking soda: 1 pinch
• Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
• Ajwain (carom seeds): 1/4 tsp
• Hing (asafoetida): a pinch
• Salt: to taste
• Water: as required
• Oil: for deep frying
• Tamarind paste: 2 tbsp (optional)
• Chat masala: for sprinkling (optional)
• Lemon juice: to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chillies:
   * Wash the green chillies and pat them dry.
   * Make a slit lengthwise in each chilli and remove the seeds if you prefer less heat.
    
2. Prepare the Batter:
   * In a mixing bowl, add besan, rice flour, baking soda, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ajwain, hing, and salt.
   * Mix well and add water gradually to make a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the chillies well.
    
3. Stuff the Chillies (Optional):
   * If you like, you can stuff the chillies with a small amount of tamarind paste to add a tangy flavour.
    
4. Fry the Bajjis:
   * Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
   * Dip each slit chilli into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
   * Carefully drop the batter-coated chillies into the hot oil.
   * Fry until the bajjis turn golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even frying.
   * Remove the fried bajjis and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
    
5. Serve:
   * Sprinkle chat masala over the hot bajjis if desired.
   * Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them for an extra zing.
   * Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy Mirchi Bajji