Bell Pepper Sabzi
A quick and simple stir-fry of sweet bell peppers in a tangy tomato base, seasoned with ginger and classic Indian spices. This vibrant, gut-friendly dish is ready in under 25 minutes and pairs beautifully with roti or dal rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vegetables.
Wash the bell peppers, remove the core and seeds, and slice them thinly. Finely chop the tomatoes and grate the ginger. Keep everything ready.
TIPSlicing the bell peppers to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly.Temper the spices.
- Heat mustard oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat until it's slightly smoking.
- Reduce the heat and add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Add the pinch of asafoetida and sauté for a few seconds.
TIPHeating mustard oil well is important to remove its pungent raw smell.Sauté aromatics and tomatoes.
- Add the grated ginger to the pan and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and mushy.
Cook the bell peppers.
- Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and toss to coat them with the masala.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover the pan, and let it cook on low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Cook until the bell peppers are tender but still have a slight crunch.
TIPAvoid overcooking the bell peppers to maintain their vibrant color and texture.Garnish and serve.
Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and mix gently. Serve the bell pepper sabzi hot with rotis or as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a different flavor profile, you can use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers.
- 2A pinch of amchur (dry mango powder) or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can add a nice tangy finish.
- 3This sabzi is meant to be semi-dry. If you prefer more gravy, you can add a little more water and simmer for longer.
- 4To make it more substantial, you can add some cubed paneer or boiled potatoes along with the bell peppers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bell Pepper Sabzi is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, and rich in Vitamin C from the bell peppers. This version is also gut-friendly as it avoids onions and garlic, using ginger for flavor and digestion.
