Mirchi ka salan

Serves -3

Whenever I purchase 'Bajji milaga/mirchi' I make only bajjis.But this time I was determined to make some other dishes with bajji milaga/mirchi. I found this recipe in Vah re Vah website.This had an entirely different base gravy when compared to usual north indian gravies.It tasted superb and I really enjoyed it.Try this different gravy.

Ingredients:

For gravy:

• Onion -1
• Curry leaves -1spring
• Cumin/Jeera -1 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste -1 tsp
• Yoghurt -1/4 cup
• Tamrind extract -2 tbsp
• Red chilli powder -1 tsp
• Coriander powder -1&1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
• Cumin powder -1/2 tsp
• Green chilli -1
• Coriander leaves -1tsp
• Mint leaves -1 tsp
• Jaggery -1/4 tsp
• Salt -To taste

For grinding:

• Peanuts -2 tbsp
• Coconut scrappings -1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds -1 tbsp

To temper:

• Oil -3 tbsp
• Mustard seeds -1/2 tsp
• Fenugreek seeds/Vendhayam -1/4 tsp
• Red chilli -3
• Cinnamon- A small piece(optional)
• Bay leaf - 1(optional)
• Cardamom -1 (optional)
• Cloves -2 (optional)

Method:

• First shallow fry/deep fry the chillies and keep it aside.
• In a pan dry roast all the ingredients given under 'for grinding'.Grind it into a paste by adding water.
• In a pan add oil and temper with items given under 'to temper'.
• Then add sliced onion and saute till onion becomes brown in colour.
• Now add all the spice powders and saute well.
• Now add the grinded paste and add 1 cup of water(the gravy should be thin).Cook it closed in low flame for 30 minutes.
• Now Gravy will be thick. Now add yoghurt and cook for 3 mins.
• Check for salt. If sourness is not enough add tamrind extract and allow it to boil for 3 more mins.
• Now drop those chillies in the gravy.and let it boil for 2 more mins.
• Finally add chopped coriander, mint leaves,jaggery and turn off the gas.

Notes:

• The chillies which I bought was very long so I cut them into pieces.
• I shallow fried the chillies.
• You can also slit the chillies and fry them.
• If your yoghurt is sour enough ypu can avoid adding tamrind extract.
• Instead of jaggery you can add sugar.