When it comes to unique and flavorful delicacies from South India, Challa Mirapakayalu stands out. These curd-soaked green chilies, sun-dried to perfection, offer a burst of spice and tang that enhances any meal. A staple in many Andhra households, Challa Mirapakayalu is loved for its crunchy texture, spicy kick, and distinct flavor. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Challa Mirapakayalu, its calories and nutritional value, health benefits, a traditional recipe, and where you can buy authentic Challa Mirapakayalu.
The History of Challa Mirapakayalu
Challa Mirapakayalu has been a part of Andhra Pradesh’s culinary tradition for generations. This sun-dried chili recipe originated as a way to preserve green chilies while enhancing their flavor. Farmers and homemakers would soak fresh green chilies in spiced buttermilk (challa) and sun-dry them until they became crisp and ready for long-term storage.
This preservation technique ensured that even during off-seasons, households had a ready supply of flavorful chilies to add spice to their meals. Today, Challa Mirapakayalu continues to be cherished, often served as a side dish with rice and dal, adding an irreplaceable crunch and heat.
Calories and Nutritional Value of Challa Mirapakayalu
Though they’re often eaten in small quantities, Challa Mirapakayalu packs a nutritional punch:
Calories: 30 kcal per 10g serving
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: 15mg (17% of daily value)
Iron: 0.3mg (4% of daily value)
Calcium: 10mg (1% of daily value)
These curd-soaked, sun-dried chilies are low in calories but rich in flavor, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Health Benefits of Challa Mirapakayalu
Despite their fiery taste, Challa Mirapakayalu offer several health benefits:
Boosts Digestion: The spices and buttermilk aid in better digestion and gut health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Green chilies contain powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals.
Improves Metabolism: The capsaicin in chilies boosts metabolism, aiding weight management.
Enhances Immunity: Vitamin C in green chilies strengthens immunity and fights infections.
Low-Calorie Flavor: Challa Mirapakayalu add maximum flavor with minimal calories, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
Traditional Challa Mirapakayalu Recipe
Making Challa Mirapakayalu at home requires time and patience, but the result is worth every effort.
Ingredients:
Fresh Green Chilies – 500g
Thick Buttermilk – 1 liter
Salt – 2 tbsp
Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
Asafoetida (Hing) – 1/2 tsp
Instructions:
Slit the Chilies: Wash and dry the green chilies. Make a small slit in each chili, ensuring they stay intact.
Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, cumin powder, and asafoetida.
Soak the Chilies: Immerse the slit chilies in the buttermilk mixture and let them soak overnight.
Sun-Dry: Spread the soaked chilies on a clean cloth or tray and sun-dry them for 2-3 days until completely dry.
Repeat: Soak the dried chilies back in the buttermilk mixture overnight and sun-dry again. Repeat this process 2-3 times for maximum flavor absorption.
Final Drying: Ensure the chilies are crisp and moisture-free before storing them in an airtight container.
How to Use Challa Mirapakayalu
Fried: Deep-fry until crisp and serve with steamed rice and ghee.
Curry Add-On: Crumble and sprinkle over curd rice or dal rice.
Snack: Enjoy them as a crunchy, spicy snack.
Buy Challa Mirapakayalu from Meenakshi Recipe
If you love the taste of Challa Mirapakayalu but don’t have the time to prepare them at home, Meenakshi Recipe has you covered! Our Challa Mirapakayalu are made with handpicked chilies, spiced curd, and traditional sun-drying methods to deliver an authentic Andhra taste.
Why Choose Meenakshi Recipe?
100% Homemade: Prepared with natural ingredients and traditional techniques.
Hygienic and Fresh: Every batch is made with utmost care and cleanliness.
No Preservatives: Our Challa Mirapakayalu are free from chemicals and full of flavor.
Authentic Taste: Experience the true essence of Andhra cuisine.
Order Now: Visit MeenakshiRecipe.com and get your jar of Challa Mirapakayalu delivered to your doorstep!
Conclusion
Challa Mirapakayalu are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of tradition, flavor, and health. Whether you prepare them at home or buy them from Meenakshi Recipe, these curd-soaked, sun-dried chilies are sure to become your favorite spicy accompaniment.
Don’t miss out—order your jar of Challa Mirapakayalu today and bring home a taste of Andhra’s heritage! 🌶️✨