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Tender green chilies filled with a savory and slightly sweet chickpea flour stuffing. This classic Gujarati side dish, known as Bharela Marcha, adds a burst of flavor to any meal and pairs perfectly with roti and dal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chilies
Roast the Besan
Create the Stuffing Mixture
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Tender green chilies filled with a savory and slightly sweet chickpea flour stuffing. This classic Gujarati side dish, known as Bharela Marcha, adds a burst of flavor to any meal and pairs perfectly with roti and dal.
This gujarati recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 351.82 calories per serving with 8.78g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for side or lunch or dinner.
Stuff the Chilies
Cook the Stuffed Chilies
Garnish and Serve
Add 1 tablespoon of grated jaggery instead of sugar for a more traditional, earthy sweetness. You can also add 1/4 cup of crumbled paneer or sev to the stuffing for a richer texture.
For a healthier version, arrange the stuffed chilies on a baking tray, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chilies are tender and have light brown spots.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala to the stuffing mixture for a warmer, more aromatic flavor.
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Green chilies are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off infections and free radicals.
Both besan and peanuts contribute to the protein content of this dish, making it a good option for muscle maintenance and repair, especially in vegetarian diets.
Peanuts and sesame seeds contain monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Bhavnagri chilies are traditionally used as they are large, have thick walls, and are mildly spicy. If you can't find them, you can use other large, light green, mild varieties like Anaheim peppers or banana peppers.
If your stuffing feels too dry and isn't holding together, you can add another teaspoon of oil or a few drops of water at a time and mix until it reaches a moist, crumbly consistency.
Yes, you can. Bharela Marcha stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.
Bharela Marcha can be part of a balanced diet. It contains fiber and protein from besan and vitamins from the chilies. However, it is shallow-fried in oil, so it should be consumed in moderation. For a healthier option, try the baked variation.
One serving of Bharela Marcha (approximately 3 pieces) contains around 395 calories, primarily from the besan, peanuts, and oil used in its preparation.
The stuffing can become bitter if the besan is over-roasted or burnt. It's crucial to roast it on a low, steady flame, stirring constantly, until it's just lightly golden and aromatic.