Mollaku Bhaji/ Chilli Fritters

** Gluten Free ** Vegan ** Comfort Food **

* Ingredients:

• Banana Peppers- 6 nos.
• Whole Cumin/ Jeerakam- 1/2 tsp.
• Gram flour/ Besan/ Kadala mavu- 1 cup
• Rice powder- 2 tbsps.
• Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp.
• Red chilli powder- 2 tsps.
• Baking powder-1/4 tsp.
• Asafoetida/ Hing/ Kayam powder- A pinch
• Fennel seeds/ Perinjeerakam/ Ajwain seeds- 1/2 tsp.
• Salt- As per taste/ 1/4 tsp.

* Cooking Time:  5- 10 minutes

* Makes: 6 nos.

* Recipe:

Step 1: Slit the peppers on one side, leaving the top and bottom intact.
Using a finger/ a teaspoon, scoop out the seeds on the inside and wash it well and wipe dry.

Step 2: Mix the gram flour, rice flour, salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder, baking powder, asafoetida (hing/ kayam powder), salt and fennel seeds (ajwain/ perinjeerakam) with water to form a thick batter. Check for salt and spice and adjust as per taste.

*TIP: The fritter will taste better and will coat the chilli better if the batter is thick, not a runny batter. Also be sure to coat the inside of the pepper with the batter too.

Step 3: Dip the slit peppers in this batter completely and fry on both sides till completely cooked and golden brown. Then remove from the flame to a paper towel to drain the excess oil and serve warm.

* BONUS TIP: Serve with homemade tamarind chutney for adults and with tomato ketchup for kids.

Since the seeds are removed, it is not spicy at all and even young kids will love this dish. My two year old toddler loves me when I make this for her.

You can also cut the peppers in half and dip in the batter and fry (without any filling) if you are short on time. Delicious either way!!

Enjoy!!☺❤👍👌

* Abbreviations:

 * tsp.- Teaspoon    ** tbsp.- Tablespoon     opt.- Optional