THECHA

Thecha is a spicy condiment prepared in the state of Maharashtra, India. It has many variants, but the primary ingredients are chili peppers (green or red), peanuts, and garlic, often tempered in oil (generally peanut oil) and a multitude of spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, hing, cloves, coriander leaves, and grated coconut seasoning.

Traditional recipes call for ingredients to be crushed or pounded in a mortar and pestle, but modern kitchens often rely on grinding in food processors. It is typically served with dishes like pithla bhakri.

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:

• 10-12 green chilies
• 6-8 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash and pat dry the green chilies, then chop them. In a thick-bottom pan, add the green chilies and turn on the heat. Start dry-roasting them.
2. After a couple of minutes, add the garlic cloves and roast for a few more minutes.
3. Further, add peanuts and roast everything for two to three minutes.
4. Now, slide everything to the sides and add oil to the center. Once it becomes hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
5. Mix everything and sauté for two to three minutes. Then, turn off the heat.
6. Once the mixture becomes warm, transfer it to a mortar or grinding jar, add salt, and make a coarse paste.
7. Our thecha is ready! Enjoy it with your meals.