Mirchi ka Salan

Mirchi ka Salan in Marathi

Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: 3 servings

Ingredients:
3 Anaheim chilies, slit on one side
3 tbsp grated coconut
3 tbsp roasted peanuts powder
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tbsp tamarind pulp
pinch of mustard seeds, pinch of fenugreek seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 spring of curry leaves
4-5 tbsp oil
salt to taste

Method:
1) Dry roast coconut, peanuts powder and sesame seeds together till completely dry and slightly brown. Add some water and blend to fine paste
2) Heat 2 tbsp oil into a medium pan. and chilies and toss. Put the heat on medium. Cover and cook until soft and wrinkled. Flip them in between to make sure they char evenly and don't burn.
3) Once chilies are done, remove them from pan and keep aside. Add 1 tbsp of oil to that same pan. Add ginger-garlic paste and onion. Saute till onion caramelizes and dries well.(To reduce cooking time, use store-bought fried onion). Add little water and blend it to fine puree.
4) Heat 1 tbsp oil to the same pan. Add fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder and curry leaves. Suate and add onion paste and coconut-peanut-sesame seeds paste. Mix well and add sufficient water to adjust the consistency.
5) Add salt, coriander-cumin powder, tamarind pulp and simmer for 5 minutes. Add chilies and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. check the taste and adjust the seasoning.
Mirchi ka salan is usually served with Biryani.