Rajasthani Mirchi Vada Recipe

Ingredients:

For Mirchi Vada:

• 10-12 large green chilies (bhavnagri or banana peppers)
• 2 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Stuffing:

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

For Stuffing:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them crackle.
2. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add boiled and mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined.
6. Cook the stuffing for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add chopped fresh coriander leaves. Mix well and turn off the heat. Let the stuffing cool down.

For Mirchi Vada:

1. Wash the green chilies and slit them lengthwise, removing the seeds.
2. Stuff each chili with the prepared potato stuffing.
3. In a bowl, mix gram flour, carom seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
4. Gradually add water to the flour mixture to make a thick batter, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Dip each stuffed chili into the batter, ensuring it is coated evenly.
7. Carefully place the coated chilies into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the fried Mirchi Vadas from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
9. Serve the hot and crispy Rajasthani Mirchi Vadas with mint chutney or tamarind chutney.

Enjoy the spicy and delicious Mirchi Vadas as a tasty snack or appetizer!