Stuffed Capsicum Recipe | Bharwa Shimla Mirch Recipe
Stuffed Capsicum Recipe: As a housewife and a passionate cook, I often find myself in search of dishes that can bring excitement to our dinner table. Stuffed Capsicum, or Bharwa Shimla Mirch, is one such recipe that has become a family favorite. The vibrant colors of the capsicum, the aroma of the spices, and the flavors of the stuffing make every bite an absolute elight. The texture of the tender capsicum combined with the hearty filling creates a symphony of tastes that leaves everyone wanting more. It’s a dish that has won many hearts in our household and one that I’m proud to share with you today.
What is Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch?
Stuffed Capsicum, also known as Bharwa Shimla Mirch, is a popular Indian dish that consists of hollowed-out capsicum or bell peppers filled with a delicious and flavorful stuffing. The stuffing typically includes ingredients such as paneer, potatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish is then cooked either by baking or pan-frying, resulting in a scrumptious and wholesome meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Variations – Stuffed Capsicum
There are several variations of Stuffed Capsicum, which can be adapted based on personal preferences and regional influences. Some popular variations include:
- Stuffed Capsicum with minced meat: This non-vegetarian variation includes ground meat, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, in the stuffing.
- Stuffed Capsicum with rice: A popular choice for a vegan or vegetarian option, this version includes cooked rice, vegetables, and spices in the stuffing.
- Stuffed Capsicum with cheese: For a more indulgent twist, you can top the stuffed capsicum with grated cheese before baking, resulting in a deliciously cheesy, gooey delight.
Nutrition – Stuffed Capsicum
Stuffed Capsicum is not only a delicious dish, but it is also packed with nutritional benefits. Capsicum, or bell peppers, are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants. The stuffing ingredients, such as paneer, potatoes, and vegetables, provide essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Overall, this dish is a healthy and satisfying meal option that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs.
Step by Step Stuffed Capsicum Recipe
Stuffed Capsicum Recipe | Bharwa Shimla Mirch Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 capsicum / bell peppers bell peppers, assorted colors
- 200 g paneer / cottage cheese crumbled
- 2 Potatoes boiled and mashed
- 1 Onions finely chopped
- 1 Tomato finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves / cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
Pre-Cooking prep steps
- Prep the capsicum: Wash the capsicums and pat dry. Cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, leaving a hollow shell. Set aside.
- Prep the stuffing: Crumble the paneer and set aside. Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes. Finely chop the onion, tomato, and fresh coriander leaves.
Cooking steps
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Now, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the crumbled paneer and mashed potatoes to the pan. Mix everything well and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt to taste.
- Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh coriander leaves. Mix well and let the stuffing cool down a bit.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Stuff each capsicum with the paneer-potato mixture, ensuring they are filled to the brim.
- Place the stuffed capsicums in a greased baking dish, drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the capsicum becomes tender and slightly charred.
- Alternatively, you can pan-fry the stuffed capsicums in a non-stick pan with a lid, turning them occasionally until cooked through and tender.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Oil Brush / Greasing Brush
Notes & Tips
- You can adjust the spice levels in the stuffing according to your taste preferences.
- To make the dish vegan, replace paneer with tofu or use a mix of vegetables in the stuffing.
- If you want a crispy texture, you can add breadcrumbs to the stuffing or coat the stuffed capsicums with breadcrumbs before baking or pan-frying.
- Feel free to experiment with different stuffing ingredients, such as quinoa, couscous, or beans, to create your own unique version of this dish.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Stuffed Capsicum Recipe
Can I make Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting paneer with tofu or using a mix of vegetables in the stuffing. Feel free to experiment with different plant-based protein sources like chickpeas or lentils as well.
What other stuffing options can I use for Stuffed Capsicum?
There are numerous stuffing options you can try, such as quinoa, couscous, or rice mixed with vegetables, beans, or even meat. Customize the stuffing to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Can I prepare Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just stuff the capsicum and bake or pan-fry them as per the recipe instructions.
Is Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch freezer-friendly?
Stuffed capsicum can be frozen before cooking. Just place the stuffed capsicums in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or pan-frying.
How can I make my Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more red chili powder, green chilies, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
How do I reheat leftover Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch?
You can reheat leftover stuffed capsicum in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 175°C (350°F) and bake the capsicum for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. In the microwave, reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
Can I make Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch with other types of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper for this recipe. Each color offers a slightly different taste and sweetness level, so feel free to mix and match to create a colorful and flavorful dish.
What can I serve with Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch?
Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch can be served as an appetizer or main course. You can pair it with a side of rice, roti, or naan, along with a cooling raita or yogurt dip. It also goes well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
How can I make my Stuffed Capsicum | Bharwa Shimla Mirch crispy?
To add a crispy texture to your stuffed capsicum, you can mix breadcrumbs into the stuffing or coat the outside of the stuffed capsicum with breadcrumbs before baking or pan-frying. This will give the dish a crunchy exterior and a delightful contrast in texture.
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