Capsicum Masala Poriyal Recipe (South Indian Style Bell Pepper Stir Fry)
Bright, vibrant, and bursting with flavors, the Capsicum Masala Poriyal is a colorful and delectable South Indian stir fry made with bell peppers. A perfect balance of spices and textures, this dish combines the crunch of fresh capsicum with the subtle sweetness and warmth of aromatic spices. Ideal as a side dish for a wholesome lunch, it’s quick to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients, yet resulting in a meal that’s rich in flavor and satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red, Yellow, or Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), diced into cubes | 3 pieces (preferably in a mix of colors) |
| Onion, diced into cubes | 1 medium |
| Curry leaves | Few sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
| For the Masala Powder | |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh coconut | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 pieces |
| Garlic, unpeeled | 3 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| For garnish | |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | 4 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 38 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 63 minutes
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the bell peppers and onions into small cubes, and set them aside. Lightly crush the garlic cloves with their skins on and keep them ready. Prepare the roasted peanuts, fresh coconut, dry red chilies, and cumin seeds for the masala powder.
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Temper the Mustard Seeds: Heat a kadai (or a large skillet) over medium heat. Add the oil, allowing it to warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter and pop—this is the beginning of developing rich flavors in the dish.
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Sauté Onions and Curry Leaves: Add the diced onions to the kadai, and sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add a few sprigs of curry leaves, which will impart a beautiful aroma to the dish.
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Add the Capsicum: Toss in the diced bell peppers (capsicum) into the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste and stir everything together. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the capsicum to retain some crunch, ensuring it’s not overcooked.
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Prepare the Masala Powder: While the capsicum is cooking, combine all the masala powder ingredients—roasted peanuts, fresh coconut, dry red chilies, garlic, and cumin seeds—into a blender or spice grinder. Grind the mixture into a coarse powder. The combination of peanuts and coconut will add a smooth richness, while the dry red chilies and cumin will bring a mild heat and depth to the dish.
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Mix in the Masala: Once the bell peppers are tender yet crunchy, add the freshly ground masala powder to the sautéing mixture. Stir well to coat the capsicum evenly with the spices. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, allowing the masala to infuse into the capsicum while maintaining its vibrant color and texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and finish by garnishing the Capsicum Masala Poriyal with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and enhances the aroma of the dish.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this vibrant and flavorful Capsicum Masala Poriyal hot with Egg Masoor Dal and Chapatis for a wholesome South Indian lunch experience. The slight crunch of the bell peppers, combined with the rich spices, makes it an ideal side dish that will complement the creamy dal and soft chapatis beautifully.
Allergen Information:
This dish contains peanuts, so it’s important to ensure that there are no peanut allergies in your guests or family. It is also made with coconut, which may be a concern for individuals with coconut sensitivities. The recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Gluten-Free: No wheat products are used in this recipe, making it perfect for those following a gluten-free lifestyle.
- Nuts: Contains peanuts and coconut, so individuals with nut allergies should avoid this recipe.
Tips:
- Texture Tip: To maintain a nice crunch in your capsicum, be careful not to overcook it. The bell peppers should still have some bite to them when served.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chilies based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chilies or substitute with a mild chili powder.
- Serving Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or chapatis. You can also enjoy it with a simple yogurt-based side dish or raita for an added contrast of flavors.
Conclusion:
Capsicum Masala Poriyal is a colorful, quick, and flavorful South Indian stir-fry that effortlessly transforms a basic bell pepper into a dish bursting with aroma and taste. With the perfect balance of spices, texture, and color, it’s a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a simple weekday lunch or a more elaborate South Indian spread, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that guarantees a delicious and satisfying experience.
