STUFFED CAPSICUM / BHARWA SHIMLA

This is very easy recipe of capsicum or green bell peppers stuffed with roasted peanuts and gram flour and some spices. There are many variations of making the stuffing and even with the different ingredients like paneer /cottage cheese, boiled and mashed potatoes, etc. This dish also makes a good tiffin box option. Stuffed vegetable dishes are quite popular in India. You can bale the stuffed capsicum but here I shared a recipe how to cook the capsicum in a pan.

INGREDIENTS:

 4-5 Medium Sized Capsicum

2-3 tablespoon Gram Flour / Besan Atta [chickpea flour]

2 tablespoon Roasted Peanut

1 tablespoon Desiccated Coconut

1 tablespoon Roasted Sesame Seeds

1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds

2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder [as required]

½ teaspoon Dry Mango Powder

1 teaspoon Dry Coriander Powder

Salt as per taste

Oil for sautéing the Capsicum

METHOD:

STEP 1 – First make a powder with peanuts, sesame seeds, cumin seeds.

STEP 2 -  Add garlic,desiccated coconut and spices and again grind the mixture.[I don't have desiccated coconut ,so I used chopped coconut.]

STEP 2 – Mix this spiced powder with gram flour and make a smooth, soft dough with water.

STEP 3 – Wash and pat dry the capsicums. Give a vertical slit in each of the capsicum.

STEP 4 – Stuff the gram flour mix in each of the capsicum with your hands.

STEP 5 – Heat oil in a wide non-stick pan or kadhai and place the stuffed capsicum in the pan.

STEP 6 – Cover the pan and allow the stuffed capsicum to cook on a low flame.

STEP 7 – Continue to check, change the sides and then cook again till the capsicums get cooked well. It will take time, as mine are done in 20-25 minutes on low flame.

Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot or warm with chapatti, bread or as a side dish. Stuffed capsicum goes best with chapatties accompanied by a raita.

NOTE: You can stuff the capsicum with other stuffings like paneer, boiled and mashed potatoes.

You can bake these stuffed capsicums to make the more healthier version.