Telugu Mirchi Bajji 300g (Frozen)

Telugu Mirchi Bajji, 300g, frozen — whole green chillies in a gram flour (besan) batter, the Andhra and Telangana street snack eaten with tea in the evening or during the rains.

The chillies used for bajji are the long, mild banana-pepper type rather than a hot variety, so the heat is moderate and the point is the contrast: soft chilli inside, thick crisp batter outside. In Hyderabad they are often slit open and stuffed with onion, lemon and masala before eating.

Fry from frozen in hot oil until the batter is golden and firm — do not thaw first. Drain and serve hot with chutney or a squeeze of lemon. Keep frozen; do not refreeze once thawed.