MIRCHI BAJJI

INGREDIENTS:

Mirchi bajjis/serrano chile----------------10

Peanuts----------------------------------4 tbp

Tamarind Extract------------------------3tbp (has to be thick)

Coriander seeds--------------------------1 tbp

Sesame seeds----------------------------5 tbp

Gram flour/Besan------------------------1-1/2 cups

Redchilli powder-------------------------1/4 tsp

Baking soda------------------------------1/4 tsp

Cumin powder----------------------------1/2 tsp

Vamu/Ajwain----------------------------1/2 tsp

Salt---------------------------------------as required

Oil----------------------------------------for deep frying

DIRECTIONS:

1.Wash and make a vertical slit in the middle from the top to bottom on one side keeping the ends intact.

2.Pluck off the white vein in the middle along with the seeds and place them in water to make sure that all seeds are out.

3.Prepare the rest of chillies this way to be ready for stuffing.

4.Dry roast peanuts,sesame seeds,coriander seeds and grind to a fine powder.

5.Add a little salt,tamarind extract to the powder and make a stiff paste.

6.Fill each chilli slit with some of the above paste and place them aside.

7. Take a medium sized round mixing bowl with salt , rest of ingredients except oil and add water.

8.See that the batter is thick enough to hold it around the chillies.

9.Heat oil in a pan and drop the chillies dipped in batter .

10.Fry till they turn light golden brown ,remove and place on paper towel to absorb oil.

11.Serve with spring onions and chutney on the side.