CAPSICUM MASALA

 CAPSICUM MASALA

Capsicum ( or bell pepper as you would call it in the United States) is a popular vegetable in India. It is very versatile and is used in a wide variety of dishes across the country. We are fond of this at home so I make dishes with them from time to time. 

You may know that capsicums are a good source for fibre and vitamins and have numerous health benefits.

Elsewhere in this blog, you will find recipes for other dishes made with capsicum such as :-

• Mushroom & Bellpepper Stir Fry,  
• Besan Wali Simla Mirch, 
• Capsicum & Potato Kairas

Today's recipe is an easy to make side dish made with capsicum, onion and spices with the addition of roasted peanut powder. This goes great with rotis. 

Ingredients:-

• Capsicum (Bell pepper), 3 or about 300 grams
• Large -sized Onion, 1
• Peanuts, 1/4 cup
• Mustard Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Asafoetida (Hing), 1/8 tsp
• Curry Leaves, 6-8
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Chilli Powder, 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder, 1 tsp
• Kitchen King Masala, 1/4 tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, 1 tbsp

Method:

Wash the capsicum and pat them dry

De-seed the capsicum, discard the core and cut the capsicum into cubes

Chop the onion

In a kadhai, dry roast the peanuts for 3-4 minutes on medium heat till they change colour. Allow this to cool. Once it cools, transfer to a small mixer jar and grind to a coarse powder. Keep aside

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the same kadhai and on medium heat add the mustard seeds 

When they splutter add the cumin seeds and when they sizzle add the asafoetida and curry leaves

Saute for a few seconds

To this add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes till they turn translucent 

Next add the turmeric, chilli, and coriander powders followed by the Kitchen King masala powder and mix well 

Saute for 1-2 minutes

Now add the chopped capsicum and salt , mix well and cook covered on medium heat for 4-5 minutes or till the capsicum gets done. There is no need to add water as the capsicum should get cooked in its own steam.

However please ensure the capsicum does not get overcooked. It should retain its crunchiness. 

Lastly add the coarsely ground peanut powder and mix well so that it gets well blended with the capsicum 

Switch off the gas and transfer to a serving bowl 

Serve as a side dish with the main meal or with hot rotis

If you try out this dish and like it, I would appreciate your leaving a comment in the blog. Thank you!