Spicy Farali Peanut Thecha (Vrat Protein Chutney)

Farali peanut thecha is a creamy, spicy chutney made just for fasting days. Roasted peanuts and fresh green chillies are coarsely crushed with sendha namak, then mixed with fresh curd into a thick, protein-rich dip. It is the kind of little thecha that keeps hunger away through a long vrat — creamy, fiery and full of flavour. Pair it with sabudana khichdi, farali cheela or a fasting paratha.

Why you'll love this recipe:

• A high-protein chutney made for vrat and fasting days
• Creamy, spicy and keeps you full for hours
• Just a handful of fasting-friendly ingredients
• Ready in 5 minutes — crush, mix and enjoy

What you get in every serving

This little thecha really earns its name as a protein dip — each serving has about 11g of protein for around 183 calories. That protein and the healthy fats come from the roasted peanuts and fresh curd, which together are brilliant at keeping hunger pangs away on a fasting day. Unlike most chutneys that are just for flavour, this one actually fills you up and gives steady energy, which is exactly what you want during a long vrat.

How I make it nicely

The texture is everything in a good thecha. I crush the peanuts coarse, not into a fine paste, so you keep that lovely nutty bite, and I crush the green chillies and sendha namak right in with them so the heat spreads evenly. Then I mix in thick, fresh curd to make it creamy. Use fresh curd and make it just before serving — that is when it tastes best.

Make it your own

Adjust the green chillies to how much heat you can handle — this thecha is meant to be spicy. For a strict fast, make sure your sendha namak (rock salt) is the only salt you use. You can make a drier, no-curd version by crushing the peanuts, chilli and salt with a little water or lemon instead. It is wonderful with sabudana khichdi, farali cheela, fasting paratha, or just as a dip with cucumber sticks.