Green chilli thecha, known as hirvi mirchi thecha, is a bold and rustic chutney from Maharashtra that perfectly captures the region’s love for simple yet intensely flavorful food. This thecha is prepared by lightly roasting green chillies, garlic, peanuts, and cumin seeds in a small amount of oil. The roasted ingredients are then coarsely pounded in a traditional mortar and pestle (khalbatta) with fresh coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt, creating a bold, aromatic chutney with a rustic texture.
Unlike smooth chutneys, thecha is intentionally kept coarse, giving it a raw, textured bite that enhances its fiery character. It is especially popular in rural Maharashtrian households, where it is served alongside staple dishes like jowar or bajra bhakri, dal-rice, or even plain curd. Over time, this traditional chutney has gained popularity beyond Maharashtra, finding its way into modern kitchens as a spicy spread, dip, or side that adds a burst of authentic regional flavor.
INGREDIENTS FOR GREEN CHILLI THECHA
- 2 tablespoons raw Peanuts
- 10 to 15 Garlic Cloves
- 5 to 6 Green Chillies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- handful of fresh Coriander Leaves
- Salt as per taste
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Oil
HOW TO MAKE GREEN CHILLI THECHA (STEP BY STEP RECIPE)
- Roasting the Peanuts
- Heat a tawa, preferably an iron tawa for an authentic flavor.
- Add the raw peanuts and lightly roast them for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Fry the peanuts in the oil for another 1–2 minutes.
2. Roasting Garlic, Green Chillies & Cumin seeds
- Add the garlic cloves, green chillies, and cumin seeds to the roasted peanuts on the tawa.
- Fry everything together for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly roasted.
- Transfer the mixture to a mortar (khalbatta) and let it cool slightly before crushing.
3. Prepare the Thecha
- Coarsely crush the roasted green chillies, garlic, peanuts, and cumin seeds in the mortar (khalbatta).
- Add a handful of fresh coriander leaves and crush gently along with the other ingredients.
- Season with salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Mix thoroughly—your bold and spicy Authentic Maharashtrian Green Chilli Thecha is ready to serve!
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Relish the fiery Hirvi Mirchi Cha Thecha (Green Chilli Thecha) with jowar bhakri or varan bhaat for an authentic Maharashtrian meal experience.
HOW TO MAKE GREEN CHILLI THECHA – WATCH RECIPE VIDEO
