Thecha To Salan: 5 Green Chilli Dishes You Must Try
Image Credit: Hari mirch ka achaar | Instagram - @hinagautam

Are you ready to go on a food adventure to India, where the strong and spicy taste of green chillies is very popular? Green chillies are a beloved ingredient in Indian cuisine, adding heat and depth to a variety of dishes. From pickles to curries, chutneys to stir-fries, green chillies are a staple in kitchens across the country. One of the most popular ways to enjoy green chillies in India is through pickling. Whole green chillies are stuffed with a mixture of spices and then preserved in oil to create a tangy and spicy pickle that pairs perfectly with rice, parathas, or any Indian meal. For those seeking a more substantial dish, there are plenty of green chilli-based curries to choose from. The Andhra-style green chilli chicken is a fiery chicken dish that features green chillies, onions, and a mix of spices for a flavour-packed meal.

Whether you're a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, these five green chilli recipes from across India are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant and colourful world of Indian cuisine.

Mirchi Ka Salan

Recipe credit - Vahchef - VahRehVah

This delicious and spicy curry from Hyderabadi cuisine is known for its uniquely rustic flavours, which have a dominating hint of green chillies. The chillies are carefully sautéed until tender, then cooked in a rich sauce made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and tamarind. The tamarind lends a tangy flavour to the dish, while the peanuts and sesame seeds create a thick, nutty texture. The addition of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon adds a depth of flavour and heat that will tantalise your taste buds.

Andhra-style Green Chilli Chicken  

This fiery chicken dish is a popular delicacy from Andhra Pradesh. It is made with boneless chicken pieces that are marinated in a regular mix of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The chicken is then sautéed with a mix of green chillies and onions, creating a spicy and fiery dish that is perfect with steamed rice to balance the flavours. The green chillies provide a distinct heat that is complimented by the sweetness of the onions to create this dish.

Hari Mirch Ka Achaar

This tangy and spicy pickle is made with fresh green chillies, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and vinegar. The chillies are first slit and then stuffed with the flavourful spice mixture before being pickled in vinegar. This pickle is the perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal, adding a punch of flavour and heat to your palate. Whether you are having a regular ghee paratha or devouring a plate of dal-chawal, a spoonful of mirch ka achaar adds a different zing to your food.

Stuffed Green Chilli Pakoda

Picture credit | Instagram - @allaboutbeveragesandfood

This popular snack is made by de-seeding and then stuffing green chillies with a mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, and coriander leaves before being coated in a batter made from chickpea flour or besan and deep-fried until golden brown. The crisp and spicy exterior of the pakoda pairs perfectly with the soft and flavourful filling inside. The snack goes well with hari chutney made with coriander and mint or dhaniya and pudina.

Hari Mirch Ka Thecha 

This spicy condiment is a specialty of the state of Maharashtra. It is made by pounding together fresh green chillies, garlic, salt, and lemon juice, creating a paste-like consistency. The addition of mustard seeds and cumin seeds adds an earthy flavour to the chutney, while the lemon juice provides a bright and zesty note. This chutney is perfect as a condiment or as a side dish to rice, chapati, thepla, vada, or papad.