Stuffed Chillies

Stuffed Chillies Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed chillies are a delicious and spicy dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. The combination of the heat from the chillies and the savory filling makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Stuffed chillies have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of spicy chillies and a savory filling is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 long green chili peppers
Half an onion
1 and a half small new potatoes - or one small one and one even smaller one

Spices

1 heaped teaspoon of garam masala
Half heaped teaspoon of ground coriander
Half teaspoon of salt
Quarter teaspoon of haldi (turmeric)
Pinch of onion seed (optional) and pinch of cumin seed (also optional - but very tasty)
Some coriander leaf if you have any (I used frozen chopped leaf)

How to prepare

Finely chop the onion and fry it in a little vegetable oil until soft.
Fry the onions until they are soft.
Add the onion and cumin seeds.
Boil or microwave the potatoes (in their skins if using new potatoes) until they are soft. If using small potatoes, microwave for approximately 3.5 minutes. Carefully cut a slit in the green chili peppers that will be stuffed with the mixture.
Microwave the potatoes until soft.
Slit the chili peppers.
Once the potatoes are soft, let them cool slightly and dice them. Add them to the frying pan along with the spices. Stir until the spices have infused into the mixture of potatoes and onions, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the contents of the frying pan to a small bowl and mash the potato and onion mixture with a fork until it is less lumpy.
Chop the cooked potatoes.
Mash the mixture.
Stuff the chili peppers with the mashed mixture through the slits, packing it tightly but not overfilling. If there is any leftover mixture, you can enjoy it immediately.
Stuff the chili peppers.
Fry the stuffed chili peppers in a frying pan with hot vegetable oil for approximately 15 minutes, turning them over occasionally on all sides.
Fry the stuffed chili peppers for 15 minutes.
The outer skin of the chili peppers should be blistered and charred. Transfer them to a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for an additional 20 minutes to further soften the chili peppers.
The outer skin should be blistered on all sides.
Bake in a preheated oven for another 20 minutes.
Serve and enjoy. You can serve this as a side dish to another main dish.

Variations

You can add minced meat or paneer to the filling for a heartier dish.
You can also add chopped nuts or raisins for a sweet and savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slit the chillies carefully to avoid tearing the skin.

- Make sure to pack the filling tightly into the chillies to ensure they hold their shape while cooking.

- If you prefer a milder dish, you can remove the seeds from the chillies before stuffing them.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed chillies can be served as a side dish or appetizer with a side of rice or naan bread.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the stuffed chillies before baking helps to seal in the flavors and create a crispy outer layer.

- Baking the chillies after frying helps to further soften the chillies and infuse them with the flavors of the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of chili pepper for this recipe, depending on your preferred level of heat.

- You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the stuffed chillies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to stuff and cook the chillies.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed chillies on a platter garnished with fresh coriander leaves for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed chillies pair well with a cooling raita or yogurt dip to balance out the heat of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Stuffed chillies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed chillies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed chillies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed chillies contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed chillies contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed chillies are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Stuffed chillies are a flavorful and spicy dish that is relatively low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed chillies are a delicious and spicy dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a flavorful filling and crispy outer layer, these chillies are a perfect addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Stuffed Chillies. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My family had a modest kitchen where my mother and grandmother would spend hours cooking up delicious meals for us. I was always intrigued by the aromas that wafted from the kitchen and the sounds of pots and pans clanging together as they worked their magic.

One day, my grandmother came home from a visit to a neighboring village with a basket full of fresh chillies. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she set to work in the kitchen, chopping and mixing ingredients with a sense of purpose. I watched with fascination as she carefully slit open the chillies and removed the seeds, filling them with a mixture of spices and herbs before frying them in hot oil until they were golden and crisp.

As the stuffed chillies sizzled in the pan, the tantalizing scent filled the kitchen and my mouth watered in anticipation. When they were finally done, my grandmother placed them on a platter and sprinkled them with fresh coriander leaves before serving them to us with a side of tangy tamarind chutney. The first bite was a revelation – the crisp outer layer gave way to a burst of spicy, tangy flavor that danced on my taste buds and left me craving for more.

I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the stuffed chillies, and she laughed and said, "It's a family secret, my dear. But I will show you the basics and you can add your own twist to it." And so, she patiently guided me through the process, teaching me the art of balancing flavors and textures to create the perfect stuffed chillies.

Over the years, I experimented with different fillings and variations of the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I learned to adjust the spice levels to suit my taste, and discovered that the key to a great stuffed chilli lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care that goes into making it.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed on the recipe for stuffed chillies to my children and grandchildren, sharing the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. I taught them the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and the value of taking the time to cook with love and attention to detail.

Now, whenever I make stuffed chillies, I am transported back to that small village kitchen where I first learned the recipe from my grandmother. The familiar sights and sounds of cooking bring me comfort and joy, and I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of hot, crispy stuffed chillies with my family, I am reminded of the bonds that food can create and the stories that it can tell. Each bite is a tribute to the love and care that went into making this dish, and I am grateful for the legacy that my grandmother has left behind – a legacy of delicious food, shared memories, and the simple pleasure of cooking for those we love.