March 15, 2013

Gujarati Capsicum Besan Bhaji / Green Bell Pepper with Chickpea Flour


We all appreciate an easy, healthy and delicious dish which can be prepped up in 15 minutes – right? I got this recipe from my colleague Trupti, who is an awesome cook and always brings such delicious vegetarian dishes for lunch. It is always fun to catch up with friends and to share food, recipes, ideas and of course the chit chat and gossip are all part of it. The other day, she shared this Bhaji (Vegetarian side dish) with us and it was an instant hit; of course we all took the recipe from her to try it ourselves.

Ajwain seeds and Capsicum (Bell Pepper)

Like I said, the whole process is very simple - Ajwain is tempered in oil, and Besan (Chickpea flour) flavored with Chilly, Cumin and Turmeric is toasted in that oil and then the Bell peppers are cooked in this delicious concoction. It tastes (not texture wise) very similar Capsicum Pakora (fritters) and absolutely divine with Plain Rice, Roti, Naan or Phulka.


Ingredients
2 Lb (900gms) - Capsicum / Bell Pepper
6 Tbsp - Besan flour, Chickpea flour
1/2 Tsp – Ajwain / Bishop's weed
1 1/4 Tsp - Chilly powder
1/4 Tsp - Turmeric powder (Haldi)
1/4 Tsp - Cumin powder (Jeera)
3 - Garlic, grated
Salt
Oil (about 3 - 4 Tbsp)
 
Directions
  • Heat oil in a nonstick sauté pan
  • Add ajwain and sauté it for a few seconds.
  • Stir in besan, chilly powder, turmeric powder and cumin powder and sauté for 2 minute to make sure that the besan(chickpea flour) is toasted and is no longer raw.
  • Add the chopped capsicum, salt and grated garlic and cook until the capsicum is soft and cooked.
Note and Tips
  • Cook the capsicum/bell pepper uncovered so that it is not soggy
  • When you add Besan to pan make sure you don’t burn it. Neither should it be uncooked else it will taste raw.
  • I always add garlic to my dishes as I love the flavor it imparts to the dish. You can skip it if you wish.
  • Cut the capsicum/bell pepper in uniform shape so that it cooks uniformly.

9 comments:

  1. Lovely dish. So many green colors in the pictures, must be a St. Patrick's day is near-) Looks and sounds very tasty. Thank you and wishing you a very nice weekend!

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  2. soooo trying this shema.. i love capsicum but the husband is not that big a fan!

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  3. i add carrot and peanuts to. coming soon to my space, this way its also temtping. appreciate if you stop by at my space.

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  4. lovely recipe..looks delicious and yummy..
    new follower to your blog..
    visit my blog..
    http://foody-buddy.blogspot.com/

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  5. I am loving your vegetarian series!
    Each dish is a magical combo of spice and colors

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  6. delicious looking preparation love the masala coating the caps...

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  7. Book marked. I like the idea of the ajwain flavour. It is heavenly when added in the right amounts. The curry looks absolutely delicious.

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  8. This looks delcious Shema..I guess ur office is full of grt cooks :)

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First of all thanks a lot for stopping by my space. I would be very happy to hear from you and would love to see your comments and feedback :)
Thanks a bunch,
Shema