Bajji Chilli Overview
Bajji chilli is a variety of large, mild chili pepper commonly used in South Indian cuisine to make crispy, deep-fried bajjis. With a pleasant flavor and a mild heat level, Bajji chillies are versatile for cooking in various savory dishes, from fritters to stuffing and curries.
Health Benefits of Bajji Chilli
- Vitamin C Boost: Rich in vitamin C, it supports immunity and skin health.
- Digestive Aid: Contains fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Offers antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.
- Low Calorie: A low-calorie addition to meals, suitable for weight management.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Contains capsaicin, which can reduce inflammation.
How to Eat Bajji Chilli
- Stuffed or Baked: Great for stuffing with spices or cheese and baking.
- Fried as Bajji: Dipped in batter and fried, often served as a popular street snack.
- Curries: Adds mild heat and flavor to various curries and gravies.
- Salads: When sliced thinly, it adds crunch and a bit of mild heat to salads.
Nutritional Value (per 100 grams)
- Calories: 27 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 200% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 10% of the DV
- Calcium: 2% of the DV
- Iron: 3% of the DV
Taste Profile
Bajji chillies are mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness, making them ideal for dishes that need a bit of warmth without overpowering heat. Their crunchy texture when raw makes them a great addition to salads and snacks.
Full Detailed Recipe: Classic Bajji Chilli Fritters
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 6
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup
- Rice Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (Hing): a pinch
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chillies: Slit each Bajji chilli lengthwise without cutting through. Remove seeds if desired.
- Make Batter: Mix gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
- Dip and Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip each Bajji chilli in the batter, coating it fully, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Hot: Serve with tamarind chutney or coconut chutney.
Indian Recipes with Bajji Chilli
1. Stuffed Bajji Chilli
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 4
- Potatoes (boiled and mashed): 1/2 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Chaat Masala: 1/2 teaspoon
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- Stuff chillies with mashed potatoes mixed with salt and chaat masala.
- Dip in gram flour batter and deep-fry until golden.
2. Bajji Chilli Masala Curry
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 6 (sliced)
- Onion: 1 large (chopped)
- Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)
- Curry Leaves: a few
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, tomatoes, and spices in oil, then add sliced Bajji chillies.
- Cook until the chillies soften and serve hot.
3. Bajji Chilli Pickle
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 8
- Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fenugreek Seeds: 1/4 teaspoon
- Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil and add mustard and fenugreek seeds, then stir in Bajji chillies and salt.
- Cook for a few minutes and let the mixture cool before storing.
4. Bajji Chilli Chutney
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 5
- Coconut: 1/4 cup (grated)
- Tamarind Paste: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients into a smooth chutney.
- Serve with snacks or as a side dish.
5. Bajji Chilli Pakora
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 6 (cut into pieces)
- Gram Flour (Besan): 1 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- Make a thick batter with gram flour, salt, and water.
- Dip chilli pieces and deep-fry until crispy.
Non-Indian Recipes with Bajji Chilli
1. Grilled Stuffed Bajji Chilli
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 4
- Cream Cheese: 1/4 cup
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Olive Oil: for brushing
Instructions:
- Stuff chillies with cream cheese and garlic powder, brush with oil, and grill until soft.
2. Bajji Chilli Poppers
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 6
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 (beaten)
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- Stuff chillies with mozzarella, coat in egg, then breadcrumbs, and deep-fry.
3. Baked Bajji Chilli Fries
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 4 (cut lengthwise)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Toss chilli strips with oil and salt, bake at 200°C for 15 minutes.
4. Bajji Chilli Salsa
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 3 (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)
- Onion: 1 (chopped)
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl, adjust salt and lime to taste, and serve.
5. Stuffed Bajji Chilli in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- Bajji Chilli: 4
- Ground Meat or Tofu: 1/2 cup
- Onion: 1 small (chopped)
- Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
Instructions:
- Stuff chillies with sautéed meat or tofu, bake with tomato sauce, and serve warm.
Conclusion
Bajji Chilli is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!