Mirchi ka Salan – Jalapeno Peppers in Tahini Sesame Sauce

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Mirch ka Salan - Jalapeno Peppers in Tahini Sesame Sauce

Mirch ka Salan is a popular dish from south Indian known for its spicy ingredients. The name translates to a delicious tahini sesame sauce with spicy jalapeno peppers. The sauce is made of peanuts and sesame seeds which adds a rich nuttiness that becomes a perfect base for the chilies.

Ingredients

1. 1 lb. jalapeno peppers

2. 1 large onion chopped

3. 1/4 cup peanuts

4. 2 tbsp sesame seeds

5. 1 tbsp coriander powder

6. 1 tsp cumin powder

7. 1 tsp black mustard seeds

8. 1 tsp cumin seeds

9. 1/2 tsp red chili powder

10. 1/2 tsp turmeric

11. 4 pieces of garlic

12. 10-12 curry leaves

13. 1/2 tsp tamarind paste

14. 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

Heat a saucepan and add the peanuts and sesame seeds. Toast them until they just begin to change color, remove to a plate to cool.

Add onion to saucepan with 2 tbsp of water and saute till golden brown.

Place the sesame seeds, peanuts, cilantro, garlic, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder and cumin powder and onion in the blender along with the tamarind and process with some water to a very smooth paste.

Heat the pan and saute the jalapenos for a few minutes or until they start to brown slightly. Then add the cumin and mustard seeds and stir fry until they start to brown slightly. Add the curry leaves to the pot.

Add the peanut-sesame paste from blender to the pot and mix it well. Add some water if the sauce is too thick. Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the peppers are tender but still have a bite to them.

Stir in the lemon juice, garnish with coriander, and serve hot with brown rice, or wheat pita. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You can substitute the peppers for poblanos, jalapeno or even serrano.