Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice Complete Recipe + Ingredients List

What is Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice? – An introduction

Spice up your meal routine with a zesty and colorful twist that’s bound to awaken your senses and satisfy your hunger. Capsicum rice, a vibrant dish that’s a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and convenience, caters to the Indian palate that thrives on spices and variety. Picture this: Aromatic basmati rice infused with the pungent zing of The OG oil, mingled with crunchy capsicum, and a melody of spices that dance on your taste buds with every spoonful. From the comfort of your kitchen using your trusty Instant Pot, indulge in the magic of simple ingredients transforming into a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Perfect for busy days, unexpected guests, or just a craving for something delightfully different, this recipe offers the warmth of home-cooked food with a gourmet touch. Now, let’s get cooking! Serve the tantalizing capsicum rice as is or pair it with some refreshing yogurt or curd.

Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice Ingredients List

• 1 cup uncooked rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
• 1 to 1½ tablespoons oil (or as needed)
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 green chili (slit (optional))
• ½ tablespoon ginger garlic paste ((or chopped))
• ¼ cup green peas ((optional))
• 1 to 1¼ cup capsicums ((bell pepper chopped ))
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped)
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons mint leaves ((pudina) chopped)
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or as needed (optional))
• 1 sprig curry leaves (or bay leaf )
• ½ teaspoon cumin ((jeera or shahi jeera))
• ¾ teaspoon garam masala (or bisi bele bath or biryani masala (adjust as needed))
• ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon red chili powder ((skip if included in masala))
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (or haldi)
• whole spices ((optional – 2 cardamoms
• 2 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 inch cinnamon))

Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice Recipe

• Begin by selecting the SAUTE mode on your Instant Pot and heating The OG oil in the inner steel insert.
• Once hot, add cumin seeds and wait for them to sputter before introducing curry leaves, green chili, and onions. Cook until onions achieve a golden hue.
• Stir in ginger garlic paste and sauté briefly for around 30 seconds before mixing in the capsicum and peas.
• Cook for a few more minutes to get the capsicum softened to your preference, then season with salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and fresh mint leaves.
• After a thorough stir, add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) and hit the CANCEL button to stop the cooking process.
• Scrape any remnants from the bottom to deglaze the pot, blending all the flavors evenly. Remove the mixture and keep it aside.
• Now, introduce soaked rice into the pot followed by the appropriate amount of water: 1¼ cups for basmati or 2 cups for sona masuri per cup of rice.
• Ensure a clean base by stirring, preventing any food from sticking. Seal the lid and adjust the steam release handle to the sealing position.
• Press the PRESSURE COOK button setting a timer for 5 to 6 minutes for basmati, or 10 minutes for sona masuri rice.
• For basmati, manually release pressure after 5 minutes and let the rice cool slightly.
• Finally, fold in the coriander leaves, the set-aside capsicum masala, and a spritz of lemon juice. Do a taste test to adjust the salt as needed.

Healthier Version of Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice Recipe

• Swap The OG oil for a lighter version, such as The OG Canola or The OG Sunflower Oil.
• Opt for brown basmati or a whole-grain like quinoa for a fiber-rich base.
• Cut down on the amount of rice and increase the proportion of peas and capsicum to enhance the veggie content.
• Use a low-fat yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative as a side instead of regular full-fat curd.

Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice Recipe Nutritional Facts

Capsicum Rice | Bell Pepper Rice is a Indian dish with a calorie count of 158 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 24 g carbohydrates, 5 g proteins, 5 g fats, 2 mg sodium and 6 g sugar!

For those mindful of their calorie intake, here’s a healthier alternative Creating wholesome meals doesn’t mean compromising on flavor—the right substitutes can nourish your body and still please your palate. To cap off the culinary journey with capsicum rice, don’t just cook, but connect with each zesty grain and crunchy veggie piece. Embrace the colors and aromas as you blend tradition with modernity, and don’t forget, a good meal is like a good conversation—both should be engaging and satisfying. Remember, it’s not just about filling the belly but nourishing the soul with a heartfelt touch to our day-to-day recipes. Enjoy your homemade delicacy, and let every bite take you a step closer to the vivid streets of culinary India.