Capsicum Rice

I am back from a nice relaxing vacation and I am happy to post a new recipe. Capsicum or Bell Pepper is one of my favorite vegetables. The different colored peppers have such distinct flavors that I include them quite often in my recipes. Capsicum rice is a simple yet delicious meal and it takes no time at all to prepare. I hope you will enjoy this recipe.



Ingredients

Spice Ingredients
Chana dal/Bengal Gram - 3 Tbsp
Urid dal/Black Gram - 3 Tbsp
Coriander seeds - 3 tbsp
Red chilies – 5 or 6
Cinnamon - ¼ stick
Cloves – 3 or 4

Main Ingredients
Red pepper -1 cup finely chopped
Green pepper -1 cup finely chopped
Onions – 1 medium finely chopped
Basmati Rice -1 cup
Lemon juice - 2 Tbsp
Coconut - 2 Tbsp
Mustard seeds – 1 Tsp
Cumin seeds – 1 Tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ Tsp
Oil – 2 Tsp

Seasoning - Optional
Cashews – For seasoning
Coriander leaves or Cilantro – For seasoning

Directions

• Heat 1 tsp of oil in a saucepan and add all the spice ingredients and fry until the dal is golden brown. Remove from heat and grind into a fine powder and keep aside.
• Cook basmati rice with 2 cups of water and spread of a plate to cool.
• Heat the rest of the oil in the same saucepan and add the mustard and cumin seeds.
• Once the seeds splutter, add the onions and sauté them until translucent.
• Then add the green and red pepper and salt and sauté until cooked.
• Now add the freshly ground spice mixture and turmeric powder and sauté of a minute.
• Add the coconut and lemon juice and heat for a minute
• Mix well with the rice and garnish with roasted cashews and cilantro
• Serve hot with chips or yogurt.

Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts Source: http://www.nutritiondata.com/

Disclaimer: Nutrition Facts are approximate

Pudalangai - Snake Gourd

Snake gourds are quite popular in Indian cuisine and tastes very much like cucumbers. They are widely used in chutneys and zesty pickles and also used in many Ayurvedic medicines as a cooling ingredient. Snake gourd seeds are also available in the west and can easily be cultivated in your own garden. Presenting a very simple recipe – Sautéed Snake Gourd.

Ingredients

Snake Gourd – 2 Cups deseeded and diced
Mustard Seeds – ½ Tsp
Urid Dal/Black gram – ½ Tsp
Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
Red Chili Powder – ¼ Tsp
Salt – To Taste
Olive Oil – 1 Tsp

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan and add the mustard seeds
• Once the seeds splutter, add the urid dal and fry for a few seconds until they are golden brown.
• Add Snake Gourd and salt and sauté for a few seconds.
• Sprinkle water and let it sweat.
• Add turmeric powder and red chili powder and sauté for a few seconds.
• Serve as a side dish with rice.

Servings: 4

I will post the nutritional information for this recipe soon - Asianveg