Bell Pepper Rice / Capsicum Rice

Bell Pepper or Capsicum has a very unique flavor and renders a beautiful and distinct flavor to any dish it is used in. I use it alot in my kitchen. Today, I bring to you a delicious rice preparation using Bell Peppers. It can be prepared with left over rice (although I often cook rice just to make this rice dish) and makes a great lunch box option.

INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml
Cooked (and cooled) rice (You can use left over rice): 4 cups

• Bell Pepper / Capsicum (finely chopped) : 1.5 cups
• Onion (finely chopped) : 3/4 cup
• Ginger (finely grated) : 1 tbsp
• Garlic (finely grated) : 1 tbsp
• Oil : 2 tbsp
• Cinnamon / Dal chini : 1 inch stick
• Cumin seeds / Jeera : 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper : 1/2 tsp
• Cloves / Lavang : 4
• Cardamom / Elaichi : 2
• Bay leaf / Tej patta : 1
• Star anise : 1 (optional)
• Cashews : 8-10
• Turmeric powder : 1 tsp
• Red Chilli Powder : 1/4 tsp - 1/2 tsp (Adjust according to taste)
• Garam masala powder : 1 tsp
• Coriander powder : 1 tsp
• Salt as per taste
• Fresh Cilantro / Coriander leaves (Finely chopped) : 1/2 cup

PROCEDURE:

• Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan.  When hot, add the cashews, Cinnamon, cardamom, blackpepper, cloves , star anise and bay leaf. When the cashews have slightly changed color, add the cumin seeds.

• When the cumin seeds start to splutter, add the onion, ginger and farlic. Mix well. 

• When the onion turns translucent, add the capsicum / bell pepper. Sprinkle some salt. Also add the dry masalas : Turmeric powder, red chilli powder, Coriander powder and garam masala. Mix well. Cover and cook on low heat until the bell pepper has cooked.

• Add the rice. Adjust the salt (Remember , we added some salt in the beginning). Mix gently.

• Add the chopped coriander leaves / cilantro. 

• Mix well and serve hot with raita or yogurt of your choice.

Note:

You can use left over rice  for this dish. If cooking rice  freshly for this dish then cook and spread it in a large plate. Cool completely and then use it in the recipe.