Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Marathi Mirchi Bhaaji



Bhajji and Bhaaji are different. South Indian bhajjis are vegetable fritters deep fried in oil, where Marathi bhaaji means 'vegetable'. It can be raw or cooked. Like how the hindi word 'Subji' or 'Subzi' is used. I learnt this recipe from Meghana, a sweet, Marathi friend of mine. She brought this for lunch along with rotis and it was so yummy that I almost finished it. ;) Here's Meghana's recipe unaltered.

Green Bell peppers - 2, chopped
Onion - 1, finely chopped
Besan/Gram flour - 2-3 tbsp
Cummin seeds - 1 tsp
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt to taste
Olive Oil - 2 tsp (Any veg. oil will do)

Heat oil in a non-stick pan and add the cummin seeds after the oils is hot. When the cummin seeds are roasted in the oil, add the onions and saute it until the onions turn slightly brown. Add the chopped green bell peppers and saute for a minute. Sprinkle a bit of salt and the turmeric powder and saute for a minute. Cover the non- stick pan. (Note: Do not add water while cooking this particular recipe, It will be a disaster!) After 4-5 mins, Open the cover and stir once. The green bell peppers should be cooked by now, if not, allow for a few more minutes to cook. Add the remaining salt and chilli powder. Stir carefully and then reduce the heat. Sprinkle the besan flour on the bell peppers and mix well. Do not cover this pan. Stir a bit till the besan is completely absorbed and then after 2 mins, stir once again. By now, the besan should be cooked too. Serve with rotis or rice along with yummy dal.

Do not cover the pan till it cools down to room temperature. This dish should be prepared and eaten the same day. Refrigeration & Reheating doesnt work with this recipe.

12 comments:

Nupur said...

I so agree, this is a very tasty dish! Your version looks delicious!

Tina Jennifer D'Silva said...

Hey Kay... You have no idea ... I was hunting for this recipe... I had eaten it at my friends house-warming party... & it was really delicious... Thanx so much... I am gonna make this soon...

Mika said...

This is a totally delicious dish. I did not know it was Maharashtrian...

Kay said...

Thanks Nupur, Tina and Mika, Credit goes to Meghana actually!

Tina, Do tell how it turned out when your try.

Anonymous said...

Kay, just feeling so goooooood after tasting this yummy recipe ,made this for dinner..thanks for sharing :0) Looking fwd to more such posts...

GourmayMasala said...

This is a great recipe. some times, I make this using green onions/scallions just to mix it up a little. Hassle free cooking!

Kay said...

Thanks Lera, for letting me know how it turned out. I'm so glad you like it.

GM, I too make it sometimes with scallions.

Priya said...

i made this today and got awesome results.Loved it.Thanx for the recipe kay

Kay said...

Glad it worked for you, priya :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recipe .. was looking for it high & low. Will b making it today 4 dinner.Thanks again...

Unknown said...

Hi Kay, your recipe is simple and powerful for this age-old 'poor man's vegetable'. I made it today (added a pinch of hing) and it was to die for. Thanks!!

Kay said...

glad you like it! :)