Feeling Chilly at Kodai

Like you cant miss the sight of the lake at Kodai, there is no way out for you ,not to notice the light green chillies tied like garlands in front of the bhajji stalls and hurricane and halogen lamps lighting the tiny stall-spaces that sell these Chilly Bhajjis . These larger than usual green chillies are dipped in besan flour paste ,deep fried in hot oil and served with red chutney .Needless to say that they are mouth watering…

I have known about these fritters from a long time back. Growing up with two neighbours in Kolkata who were from two different states of the South, had its own share of advantages and contribution in being in love for “Global” food!  Geeta Aunty used to prepare this stuffed chilli bhajjis often and this is probably her recipe, the way my taste buds remember them. There are many varieties of mild chillies with which u can make these bhajjis. I use this one particular type and these are very mild.

Ingredients
Long green chillies- 6
Salt- little
Oil for deep frying

For stuffing
Potatoes- 2 medium ,cooked and mashed(This can very well be substituted with left over fish and meat-keema as well!)
Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
Coriander leaves- a few chopped finely
Turmeric powder- less than 1/4 tsp
Ginger grated- 1/2 tsp

For the batter
Besan/gram Flour – 1 cup
Rice Flour-2 tsp
Salt to taste
Chilli powder- 1/4 tsp
Water to make a thick paste

Method
Wash the chillies ,make a slit in the center and remove all the seeds. Rub little salt inside the chillies.
Mix all the ingredients for stuffing and then stuff the chillies with it.
Mix all the ingredients for the batter
Dip the stuffed chillies into the batter and deep fry in hot oil.
Serve hot with ketchup and ‘kashundi’.

The other very interesting culinary hideaway at Kodai is the bakery right opposite the Kodai club, which serves some awesome edibles. Pictures speak a thousand words and I am vouching that it will tantalize your taste-buds too.

A typical hill station, Kodaikanal gives you ample opportunity to pamper yourself with some lazy boat rides ,leisurely walks and great times doing absolutely nothing. If you love adventure, you can try your expertise on hiking, trekking or rock-climbing, too.

My trip started with that intention, and possibly ended in that too. Visit Kodai with me, and have a vacation that does nothing more than soothing your tired senses…