Mirchi ka Salan

Ingredients 

• 18-20 big green chillies, slit and deep fried
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 2 dried red chillies, stemmed and broken
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 6-8 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 medium onion, grated
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp

Method

1. Heat a non-stick pan add white sesame seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds. Sauté till they are fragrant and they crackle.
2. Transfer the roasted spices into a mixer jar, add roasted peanuts, dried red chillies, ginger, garlic and some water and blend to a smooth paste.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds. Once they splutter add curry leaves.
4. Sauté for half a minute and add onion. Sauté, stirring continuously, till onion is light golden brown. Add salt, stir well.
5. Add turmeric powder and mix well. Add masala paste and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1½ cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add tamarind pulp (dissolved in half a cup of water, if it is too thick) and mix well.
7. Add fried green chillies and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes.
8. Serve hot.