Jalapeno Fritters/Mirchi Bajji

Every Andhra soul would have tasted this quintessential street food at least once in their life time. Unlike Chat vendors who have different types of chat on the same cart, these vendors dedicate their carts exclusively to these fritters. My Dad used to bring these home while coming from work, wrapped in a crumpled old newspaper with some onions sprinkled over 4 or 6 Bajjis. As a kid, I never thought much of them, honestly. I craved for the Pav Bhajis and the Gol Gappas more. And, I never understood the yum factor in these until I moved out and came to the States. If I crave these now, the best you can get here are what are called the Cut Mirchi with some masala stuffed in and cut in two. But, the authenticity and the simplicity of the bandiwallahs' fritters are simply lost.

On a rainy day, I doubt if the mind does not wander to make Jalapeno fritters or for that matter, any fritters. Veggies generously dipped and coated with seasoned Chickpea batter, deep fried and eaten by the mouthfuls is what we as a family of 4 used to do on a rainy and a cozy weekend. Search on the internet for this recipe, rest assured, you will find gazillion different recipes, with and without stuffings. I am following my intuition in making this dish, trying to replicate the best Mirchi Bajji I ever tasted. I like a 1/8 tsp of thick tamarind pulp rubbed inside of the Jalapeno and then coat the outside with the Chickpea batter.
In all this, I will have to thank Siri's Mom for providing me with the Mirchi Bajji powder that the Cart Vendors usually sprinkle on top of the Bajji, that she managed to acquire from a store. I call her aunt, although she is my brother's MIL. Every time I meet her, I feel like she is a second mom to me - A hug from her will definitely make you feel more secure and you can have a hearty laugh together like friends. She makes Biryani or a Podi every time I visit India. She is truly amazing!

Pick Jalapeno Peppers or Hot peppers which are not too long, about 5 inches

4 -6 Jalapeno or Hot Peppers
1 cup Besan/Gram/Chickpea/Garbanzo flour
1/4 tsp Chilli Powder
1/8 tsp of Cumin Seeds
1/8 tsp of Salt
1/8 tsp of Baking Soda
1/8 tsp of Ajwain/Caramom Seeds
Oil to Deep Fry
1/4 cup Thick tamarind Pulp
1 Onion, finely chopped
Mirchi Bajji Powder (Optional)

• Make a small slit in the Peppers without cutting through completely, no more than 3 inches (for a 5 inch Pepper)
• For a milder version, remove all the seeds from inside using a wet paper towel
• If you dont mind the heat, retain some of the seeds
• Place an 1/8th spoon of the pulp inside the Peppers and using your hands(wash them before and after with soap), gently rub the pulp to coat all of the inside.
• Repeat the same for all the Mirchis/Peppers
• Set them aside
• In a medium sized bowl, combine Chickpea Flour,Salt,Cumin seeds, Chilli Powder, Baking soda, Ajwain seeds if using with enough water to make a thick batter.
• To check- the batter should coat the back of a spoon when dipped.
• Heat oil in a wok for deep frying. The oil should fill 1/2 to 2/3rds of the wok
• Check if the oil is ready by dropping a small drop of the batter. If the drop slowly comes up by changing the color, the oil is ready.
• Dipping one mirchi at a time, drop them carefully into oil. Please be careful as the oil will be smoking hot and an oil spill can cause unforgiving burns
• Cook till both sides are golden brown
• Place them on a tissue paper and drain the excess oil
• Make a small slit once again on the deep fried chillies
• Place a tablespoon of onions in the slit. Do NOT stuff it.
• Sprinkle the Masala powder on top 

Until next time,