🔥 About the Chilli Thecha (Maharashtrian Mirchi Thecha) Recipe
Chilli Thecha is a rustic spicy chutney from Maharashtra made with blistered green chilies, garlic, and roasted peanuts. It pairs perfectly with jowar bhakri, bajra roti, chapati, or hot rice with ghee.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast, bold, and versatile — gives instant heat and flavor to any meal. Roasting the ingredients brings out a nutty aroma while keeping the thecha authentically chunky.
Ingredients
🧾 Ingredients Required for Chilli Thecha
- Green Chilies – 10 to 12 (spicy variety)
- Garlic – 6 to 8 cloves (peeled)
- Roasted Peanuts – 2 tbsp (or more for richer flavor)
- Oil – 1 tbsp (vegetable or peanut oil)
- Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Optional: Coriander leaves (2 tbsp), Lemon juice (½ tsp), pinch Turmeric or Paprika
Instructions
🔪 Preparation Steps
- Wash and pat dry green chilies. Peel garlic cloves. Keep roasted peanuts ready.
- Heat oil in a pan on medium flame. Add green chilies and garlic. Roast until chilies blister and garlic turns golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer to a mortar & pestle or blender. Add peanuts, cumin, and salt. Coarsely grind or pound.
- Add chopped coriander or lemon juice for freshness. Mix well.
- Serve immediately with bhakri, roti, or rice topped with ghee.
Notes
📝 Recipe Notes
- Thecha is traditionally made coarse; avoid blending smooth.
- Adjust chili quantity to your spice preference.
- Stone mortar & pestle adds authentic texture.
- For richer flavor, increase peanut quantity slightly.
- Store in refrigerator in airtight jar; best consumed within 2 days.
- Pair with yogurt or curd to balance spiciness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Traditional combos like jowar bhakri and curd, or modern uses like wraps and grilled toppings.
🩺 Health Benefits
Rich in vitamin C (chilies), compounds in garlic, and plant-protein from peanuts — a flavorful, low-portion addition to meals.
👩🍳 Expert Cooking Tips
- Roast on medium flame and avoid charring.
- Pound with mortar & pestle for best texture.
- Pulse briefly in blender if needed; don’t puree.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Burning ingredients and over-blending are the most common pitfalls; both affect taste and texture.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Press a thin layer of oil on top for slight extension, but freshness is best within 3–4 days.
