Winter is the season of cozy evenings and warm, comforting snacks. If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful bite to spice up your evenings, green chili fritters, or “mirchi pakoras,” are a perfect choice. Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious, these fritters are a favorite among those who enjoy a little heat in their snacks. Paired with a steaming cup of tea, they make for an unforgettable winter treat.
Ingredients for Green Chilli Fritters
To prepare this spicy delight, you’ll need:
- 8-10 large green chilies (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Water, as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions to Make Perfect Green Chilli Fritters
- Prepare the Chillies:
- Wash the green chilies thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Make a vertical slit down the middle of each chili, ensuring you don’t cut them completely in half. Remove the seeds if you prefer a milder taste.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and salt.
- Add water gradually to the mixture, whisking to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chilies evenly.
- Add the baking soda just before frying and mix well.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Coat and Fry the Chillies:
- Dip each green chili into the batter, ensuring it’s coated completely.
- Gently slide the coated chilies into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry until the fritters turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the fritters immediately with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. A hot cup of masala tea completes the experience.
Tips for Perfect Green Chilli Fritters
- Choose chilies with a mild heat level if you’re not accustomed to spicy foods.
- Adding rice flour to the batter ensures extra crispiness.
- Fry the fritters on medium heat to cook them evenly without burning.
Why Green Chilli Fritters Are Perfect for Winter
The warmth of the fried chilies and the kick of spices make these fritters an ideal winter snack. They’re quick to prepare, customizable to your spice tolerance, and perfect for serving guests or enjoying on your own. Plus, the chilies’ fiery heat is sure to chase away the winter chill.
Conclusion
Green chili fritters are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration of bold flavors and comforting warmth. This winter, embrace the crisp, spicy delight of homemade green chilli fritters and make your evenings even cozier. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these fritters are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab some chilies, and get frying! Your perfect winter snack awaits.
