Capsicum Masala Poriyal Recipe (South Indian Style Bell Pepper Stir Fry)
Embark on a culinary journey to South India with this vibrant and flavorful Capsicum Masala Poriyal, a delightful stir fry that showcases the fresh and colorful bell peppers in a spiced coconut mixture, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome vegetarian option that harmonizes beautifully with traditional accompaniments like Egg Masoor Dal and warm chapatis.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Red, Yellow, or Green Bell Peppers (Capsicum) | 3 (diced into cubes) |
| Onion | 1 (diced into cubes) |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Salt | To taste |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Coconut | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 4 sprigs (chopped) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Preparation Time
| Task | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 38 |
| Cooking | 25 |
| Total Time | 63 |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | South Indian Recipes |
|---|
Course
| Course | Lunch |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: Begin your culinary adventure by placing a kadai (a deep pan) on the heat and adding the sunflower oil. Allow it to warm gently, ensuring the oil reaches the right temperature to bring out the flavors.
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Splutter the Mustard Seeds: Once the oil is adequately heated, introduce the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic essence into the oil, which will serve as the flavorful base for your dish.
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Sauté the Onions: Next, add the diced onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn translucent and fragrant, a process that should take just a few minutes. This step is essential for building a savory depth of flavor in your poriyal.
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Add the Bell Peppers: Now, toss in the diced capsicum (bell peppers) along with a few curry leaves and the desired amount of salt. Stir-fry this vibrant mixture for about five minutes, ensuring the bell peppers retain a slight crunch while absorbing the aromatic flavors.
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Prepare the Spice Powder: Meanwhile, gather all the ingredients listed under “For the Powder” (dry red chillies, garlic, and cumin seeds) and add them to a blender. Blend these ingredients to create a coarse spice powder that will enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
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Combine the Mixtures: Once the bell peppers have been stir-fried, add the freshly ground spice powder to the capsicum mixture. Sauté for an additional five minutes, ensuring the capsicum is well-coated with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Final Touches: As you near completion, turn off the heat and garnish your Capsicum Masala Poriyal with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Capsicum Masala Poriyal hot, alongside a comforting bowl of Egg Masoor Dal and freshly made chapatis for a wholesome meal that embodies the essence of South Indian cuisine.
This recipe, brimming with the robust flavors of South Indian cooking, is not only a delightful addition to your meal but also a testament to the beauty of vegetarian dishes. Enjoy the crunch of the bell peppers, the warmth of the spices, and the satisfying texture of roasted peanuts, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
