Bharela Marcha

Bharela Marcha (Crisp green chilies stuffed with spicy gram flour filling)

Chilies and peppers come in every shape size and color and almost all over the world you will find a stuffed pepper or chili preparation. Such a versatile dish deserves its own post. So here goes the Gujarati version. Hot and sour with a hint of sweet will tantalize your taste buds and liven up any meal.

Ingredients: (Serves 4-8)

8 large green chilies (Can use Banana peppers, Jalapenos)
4 tbsp oil
pinch asafoetida (hing)

salt to taste
1 cup besan (Gram flour)
1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder 
1/2 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp grated jaggery
1 tbsp lemon juice

• Dry roast the besan in a medium hot pan till it turns slightly brown and imparts a cooked aroma. 
• Cool and add salt, coriander, cumin and turmeric powder, jaggery, lemon juice and 1 tbsp oil. Sprinkle some water to make a thick paste.
• Wash and pat dry the chilies. Slit them lengthwise keeping the stem intact.
• Stuff these with the prepared stuffing.
• Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add hing and carefully place the stuffed chilies in a single layer.
• Cover and cook on low for 15 minutes till cooked and browned evenly.
• Serve with rotla, kadhi and /or dal.