MIRCHI KA SALAN
Mirchi Ka Slan is the epitome of Ugly Delicious. With a base of toasted sesame seeds, coconut and peanuts, this gravy has a distinctively warm, nutty taste. It’s much tamer than most Indian dishes, and often compliments spicy pulaos or biriyanis.
Servings: 4 Total Active Time: 1 hour 20 min.
Mirchi Ka Salan
Yield: 4
Cook time: 1 H & 20 MTotal time: 1 H & 20 M
Ingredients
- 3/4 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 3/4 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons peanuts
- 3 tablespoons shredded fresh coconut
- 1/2 red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger
- 3 large mild chillies (I use anaheim)
- 1 curry leaf sprig
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 3 tablespoons tamarind pulp
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak Tamarind in 1/2 cup warm water. You can also substitute this for 2 tbsp tamarind paste or 2 tbsp lemon juice.
- Add coriander seeds and cumin seeds to a dry pan over a low flame. Dry roast for 2 minutes. Add sesame seeds and peanuts and roast for another 3 minutes, stirring often. When the seeds and peanuts are golden brown and aromatic, add coconut and turn off the heat - set aside to cool.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp oil on medium flame and add thinly sliced onion. Sauté until soft and slightly browned at the edges. Add the ginger and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft. Let cool fully. Add to blender with the peanut mixture and 1/2 cup water. Blend till smooth.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same pan over a medium-high flame. Cook the peppers for 3 minutes on each side, or until the skin browns and chars. Remove and keep aside.
- Decrease the flame to medium, and in the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil, curry leaves and mustard seeds. Fry for 2 minutes until leaves are crispy.
- Add the blended paste with 1 cup water. Stir immediately to prevent any clumps from forming. Mix in chilli powder, turmeric and salt to taste.
- After 5 minutes, squeeze the tamarind pulp and strain the water into the pan. Add 1/2 cup additional water and stir. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water if its thickening too quickly.
- Add chillies and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes and turn off heat.