Rajasthan, the land of royals, is renowned for its culinary heritage throughout India. The ancient techniques to make use of local and seasonal produce in their food is not only commendable but also something to take a cue from. Nutritionists and health experts across the world are now encouraging people to go local, and it looks like some Indian sub-cuisines already knew how. Most of Rajasthan is a dry, arid region. Chillies grow in huge numbers here, this perhaps explain the fiery, hot flavour of their curries. Not just curries, these chillies are used in a variety of snacks and accompaniments too. While you may have heard of mirchi vada, but have you heard of mirchi ka koota.
Mirchi ka koota is a kind of a spicy hot relish that is traditionally made with mildly hot green chillies that are ground in mortar and pestle with a host of other herbs and spices. But, of course, nowadays, you could use your chopper or a mixer too to speed up the process.
(Also Read: Pyaaz Ki Kachori: The Rajasthan Street Side Delicacy that'll have you Wanting for More)
Alongside the chillies, you would also find traces of hing, amchoor, turmeric, methidana, mustard seeds, oil, salt and a bit of sugar. Of course, it goes without saying, there are multiple ways in which people like to prepare mirchi ka koota and some of the ingredients may vary here and there, but what does remain the same is the hot and sizzling flavour of the relish, which could also be dubbed as an instant achaar.
(Also Read: The Traditional Khoba Roti from the Royal City of Jodhpur is Nothing Like a Normal Tawa Roti)
You can prepare this in no time, and spruce up your meal of bajra ki roti and dal. You can also have it with rice, or any kind of paratha and sabzi, it will definitely amp up your otherwise boring meal.
You can also pick much milder green chillies for your koota, as per your heat tolerance capabilities.
For this mirchi ka koota recipe, you would have to crush the chillies along with its seed and boil the medthidana in advance. And then heat some oil, in which you need to add the chillies and all the ingredients together. Add the methidana towards the end. Mix well and serve.
Click here for the step-by-step recipe with ingredients.
Try this recipe at home and let us know your thoughts.
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)