Mirch Ka Salan

 Mirch ka salan is the very popular Hyderbadi gravy in which the chillies are cooked in the peanut,sesame seeds and dry coconut gravy. It is flavourful and best with all kinds of biryani.
This recipe is also prepared with tomatoes. I have already posted the recipe " Tomato Ka Salan"

INGREDIENTS

For making masala paste

• Fresh coconut - 1/2 cup ( dry coconut can be used)
• Peanuts - 1/4 cup
• Sesame seeds - 4 tbsp
• Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Chana dal - 1 tbsp
• Coriander-2 tbsp
• Cumin seeds -1 tbsp 
• Red chilly - 5

Ingredients for making gravy

• Anaheim or Banana Chillies -7 ( I used red Anaheim chillies which are of chile category)
• Onion - 2 medium
• Tomato - 2 medium
• Green chilly paste - 1 tsp or green chillies -2
• Ginger paste - 1 &1/2 tsp
• Garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Tamarind paste - 4 tbsp
• Red chilly powder- 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Tumeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala powder - 1tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves - 6 to 7 leaves
• Cilantro  to garnish
• Oil - 3 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying 

PREPARATION

• Dry roast all the ingredients  of masala paste separately which is mentioned above and grind it to smooth paste.
• Wash the chillies,dry them and slit the chillies lengthwise.
• Chop the onions and tomatoes.
• Heat the oil into pan and shallow fry the chillies till they are soft.When done remove it on paper towel and keep it aside.
• Take the same pan,add oil into it if required,then add mustard seeds,fenugreek seeds and curry leaves.Fry it for a minute.
• Then add chopped onion and fry till they are light brown in colour.
• Then add all the paste and fry till raw smell goes off from the paste.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook till they are mushy.
• Then add red chilly powder,tumeric powder ,garam masala,  grinded smooth masala paste, tamarind pulp and salt.Stir well and cook till you see oil separating from the gravy.
• Now add water to the gravy and adjust as per your consistency and add fried chillies.Cook for about 5  to 10 minutes and the Mirch ka Salan is done.
• Mirch ka salan is served as the side dish for any type Biryani.