The winter is taking its toll on my palate. It is compelling me to make choices that I would not prefer making post winter. The cravings for hot and spicy food is absolutely insatiable which is making me gulp down several cups of tea in a day.
With a cool breeze behind my back, sipping a cup of tea just seems blissful. Beside hot tea, I have been craving for spicy food and Mirchi cha Thecha just seems so very right for winters.
Last week during my photo tour I was in Bhigwan, a sleepy borderline town between Pune and Solapur district- a place that has acquired fame for variety that it offers to birders and bird photographers. I had the opportunity of trying out authentic Maharashtrian vegetarian thali- that comprised of Pithla, Jowar Bhakri, Varan, Shevgyachi Bhaji (drumsticks gravy preparation) and last but not least we were served with a small serving of Mirchi cha Thecha. This one dish was offered only on demand and was not a part of dishes served in Thali. The reason being that the servers thought spiciness of Thecha is something that urbanites would prefer giving a miss. Being a foodie, though it may be a painful thought but I have to agree with this rural logic. That day I did not find many takers for Mirchi cha Thecha- an accompaniment that is so simple yet delicious. It scares me to think about this dish acquiring a tag of “lost recipe”.
So when we were back from Bhigwan, we saw ourselves drawing out our mortar and pestle from the lowest compartment of our pantry cupboard and pulling out chilies from the refrigerator. It took us less than 10 mins to actually make Mirchi cha Thecha and our humble lunch of Bhakri-Thecha was ready in no time. It’s fascinating how some of our rural dishes are so delicious and quick to make
Follow this quick and simple recipe of Mirchi cha Thecha and enjoy your Sunday rustic lunch.
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Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
- 125 grams spicy green chilies
- 25-30 cloves of garlic
- ¼th cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
- Cooking Oil
- Salt (We have used sea salt for the recipe. If sea salt is not available table salt can be used)
- Roughly chop the chilies.We have used iron griddle for roasting chilies.A aluminum pan/griddle can also be used.Cover and cook the chilies on griddle on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- uncover the chilies and add garlic.Add 2 tsp cooking oil.Roast the ingredients
- Garlic turns brown in 2-3 mins.Add cilantro (can be skipped if you prefer thecha to be spicier).Add sea salt to taste.Mix and turn off the heat.
- Remove the roasted chilies from griddle.Grind the roasted ingredients coarsely in a mortar with a pestle.
- Mirchi cha Thecha is ready to be served with Bhakri.
- Mirchi cha Thecha is best enjoyed with bhakri
Click here to watch recipe video
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