Capsicum in Coconut and Peanut Gravy Recipe
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: South Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Capsicum in Coconut and Peanut Gravy is a vibrant and hearty South Indian dish that brings together the aromatic flavors of roasted peanuts, coconut, and the slightly bitter taste of capsicum (bell peppers). The creamy gravy, enriched with a blend of spices and tempered with cumin, provides a rich and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with tawa parathas or your favorite raita for a fulfilling meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 3, sliced (or any color of your choice) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | A pinch |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 teaspoon |
For the paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 4 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coconut | 3 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peanut-Coconut Paste
Begin by dry roasting the raw peanuts, sesame seeds, and coriander seeds in a pan for about 20 seconds until aromatic. Allow them to cool completely before grinding them into a smooth paste with the fresh coconut. Set aside. -
Cook the Base Gravy
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Next, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent. -
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Now, add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cover the pan to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and turn mushy.
Use the back of the spoon to mash the tomatoes into a smooth mixture. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and the water evaporates. -
Incorporate the Paste
Add the coconut-peanut paste to the onion-tomato mixture and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors. -
Add Spices and Water
Stir in the red chilli powder and garam masala powder, then add the water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse the gravy. -
Cook the Capsicum
Add the sliced capsicum (bell peppers) to the gravy and cover the pan. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the capsicum becomes tender, but still retains some crunch. -
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) into the gravy, stir well to combine, and remove the pan from heat.
Serve the Capsicum in Coconut and Peanut Gravy hot with Tawa Paratha or Palak Raita for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Capsicum in Coconut and Peanut Gravy
- Roasting the Peanuts: Be sure to roast the peanuts lightly to bring out their full flavor. Avoid burning them to maintain a pleasant taste in the paste.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and garam masala powder.
- Vegetable Variation: While capsicum works wonderfully in this recipe, you can try using other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even potatoes for a variation.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with warm chapatis, parathas, or even rice. For an extra touch, serve it alongside a tangy cucumber or raita.
Conclusion
This Capsicum in Coconut and Peanut Gravy recipe is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The smooth, creamy coconut-peanut paste brings richness to the dish, while the capsicum adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a wholesome lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for packing in lunchboxes as well. Try this recipe for your next meal, and experience the goodness of South Indian cuisine in every bite!
