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Shimla Mirch, known as capsicum or bell pepper, holds a cherished place in Bengali kitchens. Whether green, yellow, or red, Shimla Mirch adds a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to any meal. Bengali cooking highlights its adaptability by using it in stuffed dishes, curries, and stir-fries. Though a common vegetable, its special texture and subdued taste help to improve the flavour of any meal, thus it is absolutely indispensable.
Cooking with Shimla Mirch is incredibly simple. Its versatility allows it to be used in numerous dishes. Whether paired with potatoes, besan (gram flour), or a mix of spices, Shimla Mirch transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. The simplicity of preparation and the little cooking time needed make this ideal choice. Here’s a list of some simple and real Indian meals made with Shimla Mirch.
Authentic Indian Dishes To Prepare With Shimla Mirch
Besan Shimla Mirch
Besan Shimla Mirch is a quick and easy dish that combines the crunch of capsicum with the nutty flavour of gram flour. This no-onion, no-garlic stir-fry is perfect as a side dish with paratha, dal rice, or khichdi. The recipe is straightforward: sauté cubed Shimla Mirch in a bit of oil with mustard and cumin seeds, add turmeric, red chilli powder, and a pinch of asafoetida, then stir in the gram flour. The besan adds a rich, earthy flavour that complements the mild sweetness of the capsicum. Cook until the besan turns golden brown, and serve hot. This dish is popular in North India and Maharashtra, where it’s known as Capsicum Zunka.
Bharwan Shimla Mirch
Bharwan Shimla Mirch is a delightful dish where garden-fresh capsicums are stuffed with a flavourful mixture of potatoes, raisins, cashews, and paneer. The combination of spices and the sweetness of the raisins create a perfect balance of flavours. The stuffed capsicums are then baked or sautéed until they are tender and the stuffing is cooked to perfection. This dish can be served hot as a main course or as an appetiser. The preparation might seem elaborate, but it is quite simple and the result is a delicious, wholesome dish that pairs well with roti or rice.
Shimla Mirch With Aloo
Shimla Mirch with Aloo is a classic Indian dish that is quick to prepare and full of flavour. The dish is made by tossing together potatoes and capsicums with a host of spices. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavours of the vegetables to shine through. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and can be served with chapati or as a side to a more elaborate meal. The combination of the soft potatoes and the crunchy capsicum, enhanced by the aromatic spices, makes this dish a favourite in many households.
Shimla Mirch Ki Sabzi
Shimla Mirch ki Sabzi is a simple yet flavourful gravy-based curry. Unlike traditional curries, this recipe uses a masala paste that gives the dish a unique and rich flavour. The key to a great Shimla Mirch ki Sabzi is using fresh and tender capsicums, which are sautéed with onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. The masala paste, made with turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and garam masala mixed with buttermilk, adds a dhaba-style depth to the curry. The consistency should be thick, making it ideal to serve with paratha, roti, or rice.
Saufiyana Shimla Mirch
Saufiyana Shimla Mirch is a versatile curry that can be enjoyed in many ways. The dish is prepared by frying Shimla Mirch with boiled potatoes, grated paneer, and a mix of spices, including turmeric, red chilli powder, fennel, and amchoor powder. The fennel gives the curry a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from other capsicum dishes. This curry can be served as an appetiser or as a main course, paired with roti or rice. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a great dish to prepare during festive seasons or when you want something different yet delicious.
Image Credit: CARVE YOUR CRAVING
Shimla Mirch is a versatile and easy-to-cook vegetable that adds colour, crunch, and flavour to any dish. Shimla Mirch is the perfect ingredient to create delicious and wholesome meals, whether you prefer a simple stir-fry, a stuffed delicacy, or a rich gravy-based curry. Its ability to blend with a variety of spices and ingredients makes it a staple in Indian kitchens. Try these easy and authentic Indian dishes to enjoy the full potential of Shimla Mirch in your daily meals.
