Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji
60 Mins
6-7 People
20 Mins
Introduction:
Ah, the comforting aroma of onions and capsicum sizzling in the pan— it takes me back to lazy Sunday afternoons in my grandmother's kitchen. It was during one of those nostalgic moments that I first encountered the delightful Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji. As a child, I would watch with wide-eyed wonder as my grandmother effortlessly transformed humble ingredients into a flavorful dish that left everyone at the table craving for more. That childhood memory still lingers, and today, I find myself recreating this cherished recipe in my own kitchen, adding my own twists and turns to the tale.
Recipe of Pyaaz Capsicum ki Sabji
Portion Servings: 6-7 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients:
For Onion-Capsicum Paste:
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
- 2 Onions, chopped
- 5-6 Bhavnagri Chilies (or any mild chili variety)
- 1 tbsp Ginger & Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- ¾ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tbsp Green Chilli Paste
- 1 tbsp Besan (Gram Flour)
- Water, as required
- 4 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Oil
- All Diced Vegetables (capsicum, onion)
- Chopped Coriander, for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare the Onion-Capsicum Paste:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add jeera and let it crackle.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add bhavnagri chilies, ginger & garlic paste, salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and green chilli paste. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle besan over the mixture and stir continuously to roast the besan until it turns golden brown.
- Add water gradually to form a smooth paste. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Once thickened, add chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture becomes a thick paste. Set aside.
2. Cooking the Sabji:
- Heat oil in a pan. Add all diced vegetables (capsicum, onion) and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Add the prepared onion-capsicum paste to the pan. Mix well with the vegetables.
3. Final Touch:
- Cook the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors are well combined and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Serving:
- Once cooked, transfer the Pyaaz Capsicum ki Sabji to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Serve hot with roti, paratha, or rice.
Enjoy the flavorful Pyaaz Capsicum ki Sabji with your family and friends!
About the Recipe:
Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji is a classic Indian dish that celebrates the simplicity and versatility of onions and capsicum. Originating from traditional Indian kitchens, this dish combines the earthiness of onions with the freshness of capsicum, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With just a handful of ingredients and a dash of aromatic spices, Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
Cooking Tips:
- Sauté onions until golden brown: Take your time to sauté the onions until they turn golden brown, as this caramelization process enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Cook capsicum until tender yet crisp: Be sure not to overcook the capsicum; it should be tender yet retain its crisp texture for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Add spices according to taste: Adjust the quantity of spices such as red chili powder and garam masala according to your personal preference for spice levels.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Garnish the sabji with freshly chopped coriander leaves or kasuri methi to add a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Experiment with additional vegetables: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or green peas for added color and nutrition.
Pairing Guide:
Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads such as roti, paratha, or naan. It also makes a delicious accompaniment to steamed rice or jeera rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside dal or raita to complement the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji:
- Can I use different colors of capsicum for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a mix of green, red, and yellow capsicum to add visual appeal and a variety of flavors to the dish.
- Is this dish suitable for vegans?
- Yes, Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji is a vegan-friendly dish as it does not contain any animal products.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji in advance and reheat it before serving. It tastes just as delicious when reheated.
- Can I substitute onions with shallots?
- While shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions, you can use them as a substitute if desired. Adjust the quantity according to taste.
- How long does it take to cook this dish?
- Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji typically takes around 20-25 minutes to cook on medium heat, depending on the desired level of tenderness.
- Can I add paneer to this sabji?
- Yes, you can add paneer cubes to Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji for a protein-rich variation. Add the paneer towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.
- Can I make this dish spicy?
- Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies used.
- What type of onions are best for this recipe?
- You can use any variety of onions such as red onions, white onions, or yellow onions for Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover Onion Capsicum Ki Sabji in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.