Stuffed Chili Bajji

Description

 * Serves: 4
 * Preparation time: 45 minutes

Set 1

 * 16 large green chilies
 * 1½ cup chickpea flour (besan)
 * ¾ tsp baking soda
 * 1 tbsp yogurt
 * salt to taste
 * oil for deep-frying

Set 2

 * ½ cup peanuts
 * 1½ tbsp sesame seeds
 * 2 tsp dried raw mango powder (aamchur)
 * ¾ tsp salt

Directions

 * 1) First, it is essential that you buy the freshest possible green chilies.
 * 2) Choose the ones which are broad, long and have a strong stem.
 * 3) Heat water to a rolling boil, along with one teaspoon of salt.
 * 4) Now, add the clean green chilies to the hot water, stir and let stay for one minute.
 * 5) Remove the green chilies and drain on a paper towel.
 * 6) Discard the water.
 * 7) Mix the ingredients of set 2 and grind in a blender until smooth.
 * 8) The consistency should be that of very thick yogurt.
 * 9) It should not be of dripping consistency! this is the stuffing.
 * 10) Make a slit, lengthwise, along three fourth of the chile's length.
 * 11) Remove any seeds and then stuff the stuffing in the chile.
 * 12) Repeat this for the remaining chilies.
 * 13) Mix well the flour from set 1, baking soda, salt, yogurt and a little water.
 * 14) The consistency is that of thick, beaten yogurt.
 * 15) This is the batter.
 * 16) Heat oil in a skillet, dip the chilies in the batter and drop gently in the oil.
 * 17) Deep fry the chilies, occasionally turning, until they are golden yellow in color.
 * 18) Repeat for all the chilies.
 * 19) Serve warm.
 * 20) Alternate serving option: make a slit along the bajji lengthwise, like you have made before, and stuff with finely chopped onions mixed with lime juice and salt.
 * 21) Serve warm.