Maharashtrain cuisine:Thecha

It is indian side condiments specifically from Maharashtra state i.e western part of India. It is made up of mainly chillies other ingredients differs according to preference and region. It is mainly made using green chilies and garlic. Made with just 5 ingredients, this one is extremely popular in Maharashtrian cuisine and is cooked in almost every household. Thecha is super easy to make and gets ready in under 20 minutes.It is side condiments but also used to enhance flavours of various dishe. It is ate with Parantha, Thalipeeth, Dhapate, Bhakri(millet flatbread).

It is vegan and gluten free. It also has very nutritional values. Its spiciness depends on the chilies used to make it. The more spicy your chilies are, the spicier your thecha will be. You will need just 6 ingredients – Oil, Green Chillies, Salt, Raw Peanuts, Cumin Seeds, and Garlic to make this spicy condiment.

Choose the chilies as per your liking. If you like mildly hot thecha, go for the light green variety of chilies that are milder in their spice level. and if you like it hot, then use dark green chilies.

Replace green chillies with red chillies to make red chilli thecha

Preparation-

Keep a wide, heavy bottom pan on high heat. You need more surface area for the chilies to blister nicely

A cast-iron skillet works best. You can also make it on a large iron tawa. Add the chilies to the hot pan and saute on high heat until blistered (8-10 minutes). Stir at regular intervals. Once blistered, remove the chilies on a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 teaspoon oil to the same pan. It will get heated in just a few seconds as the pan is already very hot.

Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and ¼ cup peeled whole garlic cloves and mix everything. Cook until garlic cloves are blistered (2-3 minutes). Stir frequently. Transfer the cumin seeds and garlic to the plate along with chilies.

Add ½ cup of raw peanuts to the same pan and cook until lightly blistered (2-3 minutes), stirring frequently. Transfer the peanuts to the same plate and let everything cool down for 5 minutes. Transfer the green chilies, peanuts, and garlic mixture to a large mortar and pestle and pound to make a coarse paste.

If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can crush the ingredients in a food processor or a chopper. Just make sure to keep it coarse and not pasty. (Note – Do not use a blender to make thecha as it will make it pasty.)

Add a little freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice) to make it tangy. You can also give the ready Thecha a ghee tempering of asafetida (hing) and brown mustard seeds. Just heat 2 teaspoon ghee in a small pan. Once the ghee is hot, add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds and ¼ teaspoon asafetida and let them crackle for 3-4 seconds. Pour the tempering over Thecha and mix well.

Thecha has various health benefits such as-

Aids Digestion: Thecha's ingredients, particularly the green chilies, can aid in digestion and boost metabolism

Rich in Nutrients: Thecha, with its base of green chilies, garlic, and peanuts, is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Green chilies contain antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Vitamins & Minerals: Green chilies are a source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Green chilies contain potassium and other essential minerals.

Enhances Immunity : Thecha's nutrients can contribute to a stronger immune system.

Healthy Fats : Keeping aside the great taste of the food, it is often asked, is thecha good for health? The answer lies in its content which is rich in healthy fats. They are extremely helpful in facilitating better absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as Vitamin E and let the body extract maximum benefits of essential antioxidants and vitamins. Healthy fats present in thecha also enhance fullness which prevents overeating and promotes better portion control.

May Prevent Osteoporosis : Green chillies is a primary ingredient used in making thecha which is exponentially rich in Vitamin K and thus enhances the health benefits of thecha. This particular group of vitamins is especially known to support the healing of wounds through blood clotting. They have also been proven helpful in reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving bone health. The capsaicin present in green chillies are especially useful at preventing inflammation of joints.

Rich in Fiber : The chana dal used in making thecha contains a generous amount of fibre which promotes healthy digestion and also prevents constipation by regulating bowel movements. The presence of soluble fibre helps in slowing down digestion which keeps one full for longer duration. This further keeps overeating at bay and reduces the risk of overweight or obesity. Fiber is also useful in lowering cholesterol which promotes heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. One can now positively answer the doubt of, is thecha good for health?

Supports Weight Loss : Another crucial health benefits of thecha includes promoting weight loss. The fats present in thecha play a crucial role in enhancing satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and thereby reducing the tendency to overeat or snack unnecessarily. Moreover, healthy fats assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels, preventing spikes that can lead to cravings and overeating. This cancels the risk of gaining extra pounds and prevents overweight or obesity.

Boosts Energy : The healthy fats present in thecha helps in producing essential hormones by absorbing important nutrients. They are exponentially useful in protecting your organs as well as keeping your body warm. Moreover dietary fats supplement the body with energy which keeps you active throughout the day and also supports cell function.

Serving thecha to meals adds a vibrant and dynamic taste, turning basic foods into exciting recipes.