Bell peppers, in India we know them as capsicums, which are a common sight at the market. In a variety of colors, which include green, red, yellow, and orange, they add a pop of color and great flavor to any dish. What I am a big fan of is the capsicum’s versatility. It does amazing things in a simple homemade curry, in a spicy Indo-Chinese dish, or in a cheesy sandwich.
If you are a person who is at a loss as to what to make with that capsicum in the fridge, these 37 vegetarian recipes should give you what you need for inspiration.
1. Traditional Indian Capsicum Recipes
In terms of everyday meals Indian style capsicums dishes are a great choice. For example, in the case of Alu Shimla Mirch, a mix of potatoes and capsicum that is prepared with aromatic spices, which is a very comforting option that goes well with roti or paratha. Also, we have the option of Bharwa Shimla Mirch, in which roasted bell peppers are used as a base for seasoned stuffings.
You can also go for Capsicum Besan Bhaji, South Indian Capsicum Fry, and Capsicum Chutney, which are a change of pace. For the restaurant-style flavors, try out Hyderabadi Capsicum Masala, which we also highly recommend.
2. Restaurant Style Paneer and Vegetable Dishes
Capsicum and paneer go very well together. In the likes of Tawa Paneer, Kadai Paneer, Paneer Tikka Masala, and Paneer Jalfrezi, we bring to you the taste of a restaurant in the comfort of your home. The crisp from the bell peppers pairs so well with the soft paneer.
Vegetarians looking out for options can try Kadai Mushroom, Veg Kadai, Baby Corn Jalfrezi, and Veg Chilli Milli. These dishes are colorful, flavorful, and great for lunch or dinner.
3. Indo-Chinese Favourites
If you are a fan of spicy street food, capsicum does it for you in Indo-Chinese cuisine. We have for you Veg Fried Rice, Burnt Garlic Fried Rice, Paneer Fried Rice, and Capsicum Rice, which are great options when you are in the mood for a quick yet filling meal.
For those who love noodles we have up to try our Veg Chow Mein and Schezwan Noodles. Also try our Spring Rolls, Chilli Baby Corn, Baby Corn Manchurian, Chilli Mushroom, Chilli Gobi, and Chilli Potato. We have put together a great mix of crunchy vegetables with our special sauces and spices.
4. Creative Snacks and Global Recipes
Bell peppers are a great addition to many dishes beyond Indian curries and Chinese-inspired recipes. Also, in the case of the Capsicum and Pizza Sandwich, which are great for an evening snack, they are perfect when you are in the mood for something quick and cheesy.
For a change of pace, try Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo) out or Muhammara, which is a red pepper dip that pairs great with bread and crackers. Also prepare Tomato Pulao and Karnataka-Style Tomato Bath for flavored rice dishes.
Conclusion
From everyday homemade sabzis to those that you find at the street food stalls, in this collection of 37 vegetarian bell pepper recipes, we see how versatile the capsicums are. You don’t need to break the bank on ingredients or spend time on complex cooking methods to create great-tasting dishes. At times, a few bell peppers, basic spices, and a bit of creativity are all that is required.
So when you go to buy that fresh capsicum, try something out of the ordinary in the recipe. You may just find a new family favorite!
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