Authentic Kothimbir Thecha | Spicy Maharashtrian Coriander & Green Chilli Thecha chutney

Winter in one of the best seasons in terms of vegetables we get in India. Lots of leafy greens, green peas, fresh turmeric and fresh vegetables all are available in abundance in market. This weekend I had a bundle of fresh coriander leaves and could not stop using it with free hands in recipes!

Thecha is all time favorite and adding coriander does not just enhance taste but also makes it mild on your tongue and also on your stomach!

What is Thecha:

Thecha is traditional Maharashtrian preparation of spicy chutney made using green chillies, coriander and garlic as main ingredients.  "Thecha" literally means something that is made using "crushing" , since it is traditionally made using stone mortar & pestle called Khal-Batta( खल बत्ता)  or Pata Varvanta (पाटा वरवंटा)

Some also add peanuts or shengadane to it to make it more chutney like. I have shared the recipe that is very common in Jalgaon or Khandesh region. Here the chillies are roasted before grinding. This enhances the flavour of the thecha.

Ingredients:
1. 1 bowl full of fresh coriander, cleaned and chopped
2. 5-6 green chillies
3. 1/4th cup peanuts
4. 1 tbsp jeera
5. 1/2 tbsp lemon juice(optional)
6. 6-8 garlic cloves
7. Salt to taste

Preparation:
1. Roast green chillies on direct flame, keep aside
2. Roast peanuts in a pan and cool to room temperature
3. In a mixer jar, add fresh chopped coriander, roasted green chillies, roasted peanuts, jeera, garlic cloves, salt and grind it well. You can keep slightly coarse also.
4. Transfer in a bowl and add lemon juice and mix well

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with bhakari or pulka. Add oil on thecha when serving, oil helps makes it easy to digest.

Here are some other unique ways to use theca:

• Can serve as side with chips 
• You can use it as spread on toast 
• Makes a great filling for Pav Vada

Tips to make perfect thecha:

1. Select chillies as per your spice level. If you eat mildly spicy then select less hot chillies. This really allows you to enjoy thecha

2. If you have access to mortar pestle, make thecha in it instead of mixer. You will get authentic taste

3. Use fresh coriander 

If you are also coriander lover like me you may try this kothimbir wadi as well.