Capsicum Besan Zunka (Capsicum with Gram Flour)

Today I made capsicum(bell pepper) with besan after a hiatus and Boy! was I pleased or what? This is one of the quickest, simplest and yummiest sabji recipes that's out there. It is a famous north Karnataka/ Maharashtrian dish that I grew up eating. I do miss those tender small sized capsicum which is way more flavorful than the bell peppers that we get here in the USA. Thankfully there is no major change of taste when you cook it with gram flour and spices. This makes a perfect  mid-week side dish!

Let us check out the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 capsicum (bell peppers) med size
• 1/4th tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 4-5 curry leaves
• pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (haldi)
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• salt as per taste
• 3 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 6 tsp gram flour (besan)
• 3 tbsp oil
• lemon juice optional

Preparation:

• Cut capsicum, remove seeds and chop into cubes. 
• In a nonstick pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and let it splutter. Then add hing, turmeric powder, red chili powder and curry leaves. Stir quickly and add capsicum. Mix everything and saute. Cover the pan and steam cook over medium-low heat. Do not add water. Stir occasionally.
• Once capsicum becomes soft, add salt to taste. 
• Now sprinkle 1 tbsp gram flour at a time over the capsicum. Stir nicely and continue adding besan till done. Mix gently, cover and cook until gram flour gets cooked.  If it is too dry add little oil.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze lemon juice before serving capsicum bhaji with rice or rotis.

njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Notes: Sometimes I add 3/4th tsp of ginger garlic paste to make it little spicy and flavorful.

Health Benefits- Being rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, bell pepper provides several anti-cancer benefits. Vitamin C is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system and for building strong collagen to support skin and joints. It is instrumental in lowering the risk of arthritis and reducing inflammation. It lowers the cholesterol levels and triglycerides. It kills the ulcer-causing bacteria in the stomach and boosts immunity. I had read somewhere that 1 bell pepper (red) is equivalent to 2 oranges:)