Capsicum Masala Poriyal: A Flavorful South Indian Delight
Capsicum Masala Poriyal is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings together the colorful crunch of bell peppers with aromatic spices and peanuts, creating a delightful side that pairs perfectly with rice or as part of a larger spread. This vegetarian dish not only captures the essence of South Indian cuisine but also offers a nutritious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Follow this easy recipe to prepare this enticing dish that your family will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Capsicum (Yellow) | 1 – chopped |
| Capsicum (Red) | 1 – chopped |
| Capsicum (Green) | 1 – chopped |
| Onion | 1 – chopped |
| Curry leaves | A few |
| Salt | To taste |
| Peanuts | 1/2 cup – roasted |
| Grated coconut | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry red chillies | 4 |
| Garlic cloves (unpeeled) | 3 |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 4 sprigs – chopped |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies with added salt |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 38 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
| Total | 63 minutes |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating 1 teaspoon of oil in a sturdy pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 15 seconds, which releases their flavor.
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Sauté the Onion: Next, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
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Add Capsicum and Spices: Once the onion is soft, add the chopped yellow, red, and green capsicums along with a few curry leaves and salt to taste. Stir well to combine the ingredients and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the capsicum soften slightly while retaining its vibrant color.
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Prepare the Spice Powder: While the capsicum mixture is cooking, take the roasted peanuts, dry red chillies, unpeeled garlic cloves, and cumin seeds and place them in a blender. Grind these ingredients into a coarse powder.
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Combine and Cook: Add the prepared spice powder to the capsicum mixture in the pan. Mix everything well to ensure that the capsicum is evenly coated with the spices. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve your delicious Capsicum Masala Poriyal alongside tomato onion sambar and steamed rice for a wholesome South Indian meal. This dish is also a delightful addition to any festive spread or family gathering.
Final Thoughts
Capsicum Masala Poriyal is not only a visually appealing dish with its array of colorful peppers but also a tasty and nutritious one that fits seamlessly into any vegetarian diet. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, making it a delightful dish for both everyday meals and special occasions. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe with your loved ones!
