Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1149 · Mirchi ka Salan

Mirchi ka Salan, and where to source it

Mirchi ka Salan — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Mirchi ka Salan Indian 5best2buy.com

Roast the peanuts, sesame and coconut and grind them into the base, then cook the gravy long and low until the oil floats clear on top — that slow reduction marries the nut paste and tamarind; a quick-cooked salan tastes raw and grainy from the ground nuts.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
MakesServes 6
CuisineIndian
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
Contains  peanuts · soy · sesame
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
long green chilies
10
slit
Local / market
peanuts
1/2 cup
75 g
Local / market
sesame seeds
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
grated coconut
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
tamarind pulp
2 tbsp
30 ml
onion
1 large
sliced
ginger garlic paste
1 tbsp
15 ml
curry leaves
1 sprig
10 leaves
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Dry-roast peanuts, sesame and coconut; grind with fried onion and a little water to a smooth paste.15 min
  2. Fry the slit chilies in oil briefly till blistered; set aside. In the same oil temper cumin, mustard and curry leaves, add ginger garlic paste.8 min
  3. Add the nut paste with turmeric, chili and coriander powder; fry till oil separates.10 min
  4. Add water and tamarind, return the chilies, and simmer low 20 min till the gravy thickens and oil floats clear on top.20 min
The Toolkit

Heavy kadai · Grinder · Roasting pan

Straight Answers
Can you make Mirchi ka Salan in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Mirchi ka Salan? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Mirchi ka Salan ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Mirchi ka Salan gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Mirchi ka Salan vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.

Loading notes…

Notes are public and posted as written. Be kind, no links. Spam and abuse get removed.

More Indian recipes
Sarson da SaagMisal PavLaal MaasButter ChickenChicken Tikka MasalaChana Masala
All Indian recipes →  ·  Browse all 1285 →

Some ingredient and tool links are affiliate links — if you buy through one, 5best2buy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never costs the maker anything, and it never decides who we recommend. The list is the list.
© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1149