Ammas Restaurent - New Jersey

CUT MIRCHI : CRISPY AND MILD FLAVORED CHILI BAJJI

Cut mirchi is a popular Indian dish made with chili peppers. It is also known as chili bajji or mirchi pakoda, and it is a popular snack or appetizer that is often served at parties and gatherings. 

One of the key ingredients in cut mirchi is the chili pepper. Indian cuisine uses a wide variety of chili peppers, each with its own unique flavor and level of heat. The most commonly used chili pepper for this dish is the banana pepper, which has a mild, sweet flavor and is not too spicy. Other chili peppers that can be used include jalapenos, serranos, and habaneros. Cut mirchi is made by slicing fresh chili peppers into thin strips and frying them in a batter made of chickpea flour, water, and spices. The resulting dish is crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of Indian dishes.

The origins of cut mirchi are not clear, but it is thought to have originated in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. The dish is a staple in Andhra cuisine and is often served at weddings and other special occasions. It is also popular in other parts of India, especially in the northern states of Punjab and Haryana.

To make cut mirchi, the first step is to select the right type of chili pepper. The type of chili peppers depends on the desired level of heat and flavor.

Once the peppers are selected, they are washed and dried thoroughly. The stems are then removed, and the peppers are sliced into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. The strips are then placed in a bowl and mixed with the batter, which is made by combining chickpea flour, water, salt, and a variety of spices such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric. The batter should be thick enough to coat the pepper slices evenly, but not so thick that it becomes clumpy.

The coated chili peppers are then deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown. In this version, the bajjis are cut into smaller pieces and fried again. This double frying reduces the heat from the chilies and it is much more palatable than the hot spicy green chilies. The fried chili peppers are then drained on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Cut mirchi is typically served as a snack or appetizer, and it is often served with chutney or sauce for dipping. The dish is enjoyed by people of all ages, ad the combination of crispy, fried chili peppers and the spicy batter makes for a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Visit your nearest Amma’s South Indian Restaurant, and place an order for cut mirchi. You will surely agree that it is crispy, spicy and subtly sweet.