Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Spiced Potatoes (Stuffed Capsicum)
Description:
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers, also known as Stuffed Capsicum in India, is a vibrant and wholesome dish that makes for a delightful and satisfying meal. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare a flavorful dish at home, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. The stuffing is a creative blend of spiced potatoes, peas, and aromatic seasonings that perfectly complement the slightly smoky flavor of roasted bell peppers. Variations of the filling can include ricotta cheese, rice, corn, or spinach, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal taste. This vegetarian stuffed bell peppers recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for parties or family gatherings, and it can be grilled just before serving for the perfect presentation.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 2 |
| Potato (Aloo), cooked and mashed | 1 cup |
| Green peas (Matar), steamed | 3 tablespoons |
| Butter (Salted), softened | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chilli, finely chopped | 1 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 4 sprigs |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 2-4 people
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and greasing a baking sheet with oil or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Prepare the filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Next, add the finely chopped onions, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn tender and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
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Cook the potato mixture: Add the mashed potatoes to the pan, followed by the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir everything together well, ensuring the spices are evenly incorporated into the potatoes. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the bell peppers: Using a sharp knife, cut off the tops of the green bell peppers, carefully removing the stems and seeds. Tap the peppers gently to ensure all the seeds fall out. You can opt to stuff whole bell peppers or slice them in half lengthwise for easier handling.
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Stuff the peppers: Spoon the prepared spiced potato mixture into the hollowed bell peppers, packing them tightly. If you are using whole peppers, arrange them vertically on the prepared baking sheet. Add a small dollop of butter (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) on top of each stuffed bell pepper to enhance the flavor and texture during baking.
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Bake the peppers: Place the stuffed bell peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The peppers should start to shrink and the tops will brown slightly. You will know they are done when the skin of the bell pepper begins to wrinkle and brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overcook.
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Serve: Once the bell peppers are beautifully roasted and stuffed, remove them from the oven and arrange them on a serving platter. These vegetarian stuffed bell peppers pair wonderfully with Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha and a side of Boondi Raita for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these delectable Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side of Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha and a refreshing Boondi Raita for a satisfying weekday meal. The creamy raita adds a cooling effect, perfectly complementing the spiced flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Tip: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just stuff the bell peppers and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
With its blend of spiced potatoes, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe offers a delightful and healthy twist on traditional stuffed peppers, all while embracing the rich flavors of North Indian cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it for a family lunch or a party appetizer, these stuffed capsicum peppers are sure to impress with their flavor and presentation.
