What is green chilli paste, hari mirch ki paste, mirchi paste?

Green Chilli Paste: An Indian Kitchen Essential

Green chilli paste, known as hari mirch ki paste in Hindi, is a fundamental and incredibly versatile condiment in Indian cuisine. Far more than just a source of heat, it's a dynamic flavor enhancer that provides a fresh, pungent, and vibrant kick to a multitude of dishes. Unlike dried chili powder, the paste offers a raw, zesty freshness that is highly prized. It typically consists of ground fresh green chilies, often blended with a touch of water or other ingredients like ginger, garlic, or a squeeze of lime, creating a smooth or coarse consistency depending on regional preference and intended use.

Versatile Uses Across Indian Cuisine

The applications of green chilli paste are incredibly diverse, spanning almost every regional Indian cuisine. In North India, it's a common addition to dal tadkas, vegetable stir-fries like aloo gobhi or bhindi ki sabzi, and marinades for paneer tikka or chicken curries. In Western India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat, it's integral to snacks like vada pav, dhokla, thepla, and various chutneys. South Indian cooking utilizes it in sambar, rasam, and chutneys alongside coconut and other spices, while in East India, it adds zing to fish preparations and stir-fried vegetables. Its adaptability allows it to be a key flavor component in everything from everyday curries to elaborate festive meals.

Easy to Make and Customizable

One of the greatest advantages of hari mirch ki paste is its ease of preparation. You simply need fresh green chilies, which are readily available across India. For a basic paste, wash and stem the chilies, then blend them with a minimal amount of water until desired consistency is achieved. For added depth, you can incorporate ginger and garlic during blending to create a classic ginger-garlic-chilli paste, a staple in many Indian recipes. The paste can be made in larger batches and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks, making it a convenient go-to for quick meal preparation. You can also adjust the spice level by choosing milder or hotter varieties of green chilies.

Beyond Spice: Health Benefits of Green Chillies

While primarily known for its heat, green chilli paste also offers several health benefits. Green chilies are a rich source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immunity. They also contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their pungency, which has been linked to potential benefits like metabolism boosting, pain relief, and even anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating green chilli paste into your cooking can add a burst of flavor, potentially reducing the need for excessive salt or unhealthy fats, thus contributing to a healthier diet.

Recipe Examples Highlighting Green Chilli Paste

The versatility of green chilli paste shines in numerous Indian recipes. For a quick and healthy option, consider a Moong Dal Chilla where the paste adds a sharp kick to the batter. In a simple Aloo Gobhi Sabzi, a spoonful of this paste elevates the vegetable's flavor profile. It's essential for the authentic taste of Hara Bhara Kebab and provides the necessary zing in a Cucumber Raita. Even a basic Dal Fry can be transformed with a final tempering (tadka) infused with green chilli paste, proving that this humble ingredient is truly an indispensable part of the rich tapestry of Indian vegetarian cooking.

Also Known as

Hari mirch paste

How to select green chilli paste, hari mirch ki paste, mirchi paste

While buying fresh chillies look for crisp unwrinkled ones. Make sure they are bright and unbroken.

Green chilli Paste is also easily available in the market of various brands. Ensure its freshness by manufacturing date and expiry date.

Culinary Uses of green chilli paste, hari mirch ki paste, mirchi paste in Indian Cooking

· Green chilli paste is a handy option to add that hot taste to vegetable dish, curries, Potato tikkis, sandwiches, Vadas, upma or Masala Parathas.

· It is a great alternative, when fresh green chilli is not available at home. Can be substituted in dals or tempering etc.

· Being spicy in nature, it must be taken in moderation to avoid gastric irritation.

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How to store green chilli paste, hari mirch ki paste, mirchi paste

It is best to freeze it in a dry container and remove 10 minutes prior to use in any recipe. Dont forget to keep it back in freezer, as it might turn dark and loose its freshness. It can stay good for a month and half. Wash hands and utensils thoroughly after contact with the chillies. While adding this paste to any recipe, compensate for added salt by cutting down on quantities, as the recipe desires.

Health benefits of green chilli paste, hari mirch ki paste, mirchi paste

Antioxidant vitamin C in green chillies protects the body from effects of harmful free radicals and prevents stress. It is probably the high fiber which helps in controlling blood sugar levels. This it is a welcome addition to a diabetic diet. Suffering from anaemia? Add green chillies to your list of iron rich foods too. For complete details see benefits of green chilli.