Indian Recipes

Tamil Nadu Style Capsicum Usili with Lentils and Spices

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Tamil Nadu Style Capsicum With Lentils Spice Mix (Shimla Mirch Usili)
Recipe in English

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils) 1 cup (soaked for 1 hour)
Capsicum (Green Bell Pepper) 2, finely chopped
Dried Red Chilies 2
Fennel Seeds 1 teaspoon
Mustard Seeds 1 teaspoon
Split Urad Dal (White) 1/2 teaspoon
Curry Leaves 1 sprig
Asafoetida (Hing) A pinch
Salt To taste

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Tamil Nadu

Course: Lunch

Diet: Vegetarian


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Moong Dal Paste:
    Begin by washing the moong dal thoroughly. Soak it in water for about 1 hour. After soaking, drain the water and place the dal in a mixer grinder. Add the dried red chilies, fennel seeds, and salt to the grinder. Grind everything into a smooth paste. Set aside.

  2. Cook the Capsicum:
    Heat oil in a pan or kadhai. Add mustard seeds and urad dal to the hot oil. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, let it cook for around 10 seconds. Now, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and the curry leaves. Stir to combine.

  3. Add Capsicum:
    Add the finely chopped capsicum and salt to the pan. Mix well and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the capsicum softens slightly but retains its crunch. Once done, remove the capsicum from the pan and transfer it to a separate bowl. Set it aside.

  4. Cook the Lentil Paste:
    In the same pan, add a little more oil. Then, add the ground lentil-chili paste. Cook this mixture on medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste is cooked through and becomes aromatic.

  5. Combine and Cook:
    Add the previously cooked capsicum back into the pan with the lentil paste. Mix well and cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend and heat through.

  6. Serve:
    Once everything is well combined and cooked, remove from heat. Serve the hot Shimla Mirch Usili with a side of steaming rice, tomato-onion sambar, and crispy papad for a complete and flavorful lunch.


Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~180 kcal
Protein ~7g
Carbohydrates ~30g
Fiber ~5g
Fat ~5g
Sodium ~300mg

This Tamil Nadu-style Capsicum Usili is a delicious, nutritious dish packed with proteins from the moong dal and vibrant flavors from the aromatic spices. The unique blend of lentils and spices offers a satisfying yet light meal, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Whether served with rice, sambar, or a crispy papad, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!

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