Capsicum Chutney
Such an easy recipe, capsicum chutney that just makes us drool, spicy, and delicious.
Introduction
Also known as Bell Pepper Chutney, Capsicum Chutney – a colorful and zesty condiment to go along with Indian snacks, dosas, idlis, or just rice. This one is prepared using fresh capsicum (bell peppers), and it adds a pop of color and intense flavor to any meal. Far less common and less easy to find, chutney is usually a brick-red paste made of fruit, sugar, spices and sometimes vinegar, and is a must-have when you’re in the mood for comfort food or a feast that will stick to your ribs. Whether you’re a chutney connoisseur or a newbie, this dish will not disappoint with its bold flavors, subtle sweetness and spicy kick.
This article discusses the origin and health benefits of Capsicum Chutney and comes with a step by step recipe, along with a few variations. This handy chutney is not only effortless to make, but can enhance even the most basic dishes.
What is Capsicum Chutney?
Capsicum chutney is a spicy savory South Indian-style chutney that is made mainly from capsicum (bell peppers). It’s most commonly made with onions, garlic, mustard seeds and curry leaves, and has a smooth texture and deep flavors when incorporated with other ingredients. An integral component of the South Indian meal, it provides a refreshing tweet to the typically rich and spicy curries.
That versatility is what makes Capsicum Chutney so popular. It goes well with a range of Indian food, but particularly with breakfast items like dosas, idlis and uttapams. It can also be eaten with rice, parathas or as spread for sandwiches.
Capsicum Chutney | Health Benefits of Capsicum Chutney
Apart from its delicious taste, Capsicum Chutney comes with a number of health benefits. The primary ingredient in this chutney is capsicum, which is an unmatchable source of vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fibres. Now, let us look at the health benefits of the key ingredients used in Capsicum Chutney:
High Vitamin C Content: Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity and improves skin health.
These antioxidants: help destroy free radicals in the body, causing oxidative stress, which is an important factor in long-term health.
Weight Control: Capsicum is low in calories and is a healthy choice for those seeking to reduce or maintain weight.
Aids in Digestion: The fiber content of the bell peppers aids digestion and helps to regularize bowel movements.
Meat And Bone meal: Controls Ph level: Meat and bone meal may be used to minimize the Ph of the food because it contains calcium and phosphorus.
How to make capsicum Chutney?
Capsicum Chutney is one of the simplest chutneys to make. Following is the basic ingredients needed to make this delicious chutney:
- 2 large capsicum (bell peppers), chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1-2 green chilies (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A few curry leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (or lemon juice if preferred)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon jaggery or sugar (optional, balanced for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon roasted split chickpeas (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing) (optional)
- as required for the right consistency Water
CAPSICUM CHUTNEY RECIPE | HOW TO MAKE CAPSICUM CHUTNEY
Roast the Capsicum:
Roast the bell peppers over an open flame (or under a broiler) until the skin is blackened. This step gives the chutney a smoky flavor. Roast the capsicum and place it into a bowl covered with a lid. Let it sweat for a minute or two. Skin the fruit, cut open, remove the seeds, chop the flesh into small pieces.
Prepare the Tempering:
Fry some mustard and cumin seeds in heated oil. Allow them to splutter for few seconds. Next, add the chopped onions, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until the onions are golden brown. Add turmeric powder, curry leaves, and asafoetida (if using) and cook for an additional minute.
Blend the Chutney:
Add the roasted capsicum to the pan along with tamarind paste (or lemon juice) and jaggery (or sugar). Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to cool down.
Grind the Chutney:
When the mixture is cool, pour it into a blender. If you like, stir in roasted split chickpeas for texture. Grind the chutney to a smooth paste, adding water if needed to reach your desired texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Capsicum Chutney (Capsicum ki Chutney) is ready. Serve it with some hot idlis or dosas, or just eat it as a side with some rice. This chutney also works great as a dip on crispy snacks like samosas or pakoras.
Chutney, made from fresh red capsicum, is easy to prepare.
Roast the Capsicum Well:
Charring the capsicum until utterly blackened increases the flavor. Don’t skip this step, because it’s what imparts the chutney’s trademark smokiness.
Adjust the Spice Level:
You can make the chutney spicy or not by replacing or removing the number of green chilies used. For a milder chutney, use fewer chilies, or take the seeds out.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
The freshness of the capsicum and other ingredients really shines through in this chutney. You can certainly notice the difference with fresh curry leaves and garlic.
Consistency:
You can make the chutney’s consistency as per your requirement. Add less water while grinding for thicker chutney. Add more water for a thinner consistency.
Storage:
Keep the chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains fresh for up to week. It can also be frozen for longer storage, though it’s best eaten fresh.
Different Versions of Capsicum Chutney
Though the standard Capsicum Chutney recipe is absolutely delicious, you can go for iterations to cater to different tastebuds or dietary preferences:
Tomato Capsicum Chutney: Tomatoes can be added to the chutney to impart a tart flavor.
Add chopped coriander, fresh grated coconut, mix and serve Cabbage-Capsicum Chutney: Add chopped coriander.
Peanut Capsicum Chutney: Roasted peanuts can be added to the chutney to give it a nutty crunch and depth.
Spicy Capsicum Chutney: Add red chilies powder for extra heat, if you like it hot.
Conclusion
This Capsicum Chutney is a must-have condiment, so delicious & an amazing combination of Smoky, Spicy, and Tart flavors. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-prepare chutney that goes well with a lot of Indian food, from snacks all the way through main courses. This chutney is the best option, be it a spicy top seeder for your dosa or to add zing with your rice.
So, the next time it’s those burst of flavors, you give Capsicum Chutney a shot – it’s a very simple, healthy and downright delicious addition to anything you enjoy. Have fun with this recipe and feel free to adjust to your taste preference!
And in this article, we are going to do a complete breakdown of Capsicum Chutney while setting it for SEO, naturally mentioning the main keywords from the article without losing its human-like structure!
Read More: Capsicum Chutney