Stuffed Peppers (Bharela Marcha nu Shaak)

My mother’s traditional Gujarati Bharela Marcha nu Shaak translates to stuffed Peppers. Spicy peppers stuffed with toasted chickpea flour, coconut, sesame seeds, and Indian spices with a touch of sweet jaggery and lemon juice, cooked to perfection. Served with Indian millet bread(Rotlo) or Roti and raw onions on the side.

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Traditionally, Bharela Marcha is cooked with hot small peppers. Every household in Gujarat has its recipe for Bharela Marcha. Though the recipes and method might be slightly different, the main Ingredients are hot peppers, roasted chickpea flour, and jaggery remain the same. Jaggery and lemon juice cuts the heat of the peppers and roasted chickpea flour makes the dish earthy and filling. The combination of flavors here is magical.

Stuffing Ingredients

My recipe contains GF and Vegan friendly ingredients. These ingredients are easily found at any Indian grocery. Also find the listed ingredients in my Amazon storefront. Click here to shop the Ingredients.

• Desiccated Coconut
• Sesame Seeds
• Chickpea Flour
• Jaggery or Cane Sugar
• Ginger-Garlic Paste
• Lemon Juice
• Turmeric Powder
• Kashmiri Chili Powder or Sweet Paprika
• Cumin Powder
• Coriander Powder
• Oil
• Salt

Can I Use Milder Peppers?

It is so difficult to find the same spicy peppers I grew up eating in the US. Jalapenos seem more manageable and close to the peppers we get back home in India. The heat of jalapenos is perfect and you can enjoy the meal without blowing hot dragon breath. I have thought about making this recipe with Habanero peppers but I better hold on to that only for my thought.

If jalapenos aren’t for you then try small sweet peppers or Anaheim peppers. I love the texture of Anaheim peppers with Indian millet bread or roti bread. Sweet peppers are great for an appetizer or a side dish.

My husband and kids love Anaheim and Sweet pepper ‘Bharela Marcha’. Although this isn’t a curry and usually served as a side dish, I sometimes like to create a curry-like texture to have it as a main meal.

Curry Up

I like to add a tablespoon and a half of extra chickpea flour while making the stuffing. Reserve tablespoons of mixtures and add about 1/4 cup water to it. Once the peppers are cooked add the mixture of stuffing and water to the peppers and cook until thick.

I have instructions on cooking these delicious peppers in the oven as well. I like to roast chickpea flour, coconut, and sesame seeds in advance. Once you have these three things ready, you can whip up and get this recipe ready in no time.

Also try my GF and Vegetarian Recipes

• Eggplant Paneer Masala
• Gujarati Bhindi Kadhi-Okra Curry
• One-Pot Vegetable Spicy Rice
• Masala Potatoes-Rai Wale Aloo

Baking Instructions

Cook Bharela Marcha on Stovetop or Bake them. Either way, the nutty flavors of coconut and sesame seeds along with chickpea flour, jaggery, and lemon complements the hot peppers so well.

• Although I prefer stovetop cooking for Bharela Marcha. They also turn out great if you decide to bake them. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
• Place stuffed peppers on a large greased baking sheet. Drizzle the cooking oil generously on the peppers. Bake them at 425 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Broil for a minute.

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