Capsicum curry is a spicy, gravy based dish, popular across the Indian subcontinent. Turmeric, coriander, and cumin are the spices usually used for cooking the dish along with chili powder. The hot pepper powder is occasionally substituted by the red colored Kashmiri chili powder which has no heat but imparts a bright color to the curry.

While the capsicum is utilized in a curry as a sole ingredient, it can also be combined with potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, mushrooms as well as carrots to form different types of curries. Coconut and tamarind extract are often used to cook the curry in the Southern part of India, whereas the Northern part of the country uses tomatoes or yogurt to prepare the curry. Bharwan Shimla Mirch curry is a specialty in Northern India, prepared with stuffed bell peppers.

The immature, green bell peppers are commonly used as the prime ingredient while preparing capsicum curries. It is served as a side dish along with rice or Indian flatbreads.

Overview of Capsicum Curry Recipes

The simplest form of the curry is cooked by sautéing onion and tomato paste in hot oil initially. The spice powders required for making the curry are added one by one along with ginger paste and a cup of water which is then seasoned with salt. The capsicum is usually cut into four or two depending on their size and fried separately. It is then added to the simmering curry and cooked over low flame until the bell pepper becomes tender.

A paste prepared with dry roasted sesame seeds, peanuts, coconut flakes and garlic cloves is added to the curry in Southern India apart from the traditional spices.

Popular Variations of Capsicum Curry Recipes

There are several variations of the curry consumed all over the world. Some of the unique recipes prepared with capsicum in the curried form include:-

• Corn-Capsicum Masala- It is a combination of fried bell peppers and corn in a onion and tomato based gravy prepared with curry powder.
   
• Chicken & Capsicum Red Curry- This is a traditional Thai dish prepared with red curry paste and bamboo shoots apart from chicken breasts and capsicum slices cooked in a coconut based gravy.
   
• Purawapu Malu Miris- This is a popular Sri Lankan dish of stuffed capsicum curry prepaed with onions, Maldives fish, and raw Lankan curry powder.
   
• Curried Bell pepper Soup- A nutritious soup prepared with yellow, orange and red bell peppers and curry powder along with lemon juice, crushed garlic and vegetable broth. It is served with a garnish of herb cream cheese.

Trivia

Capsicum curry is never prepared with green curry paste in Thailand as the addition of bell peppers is believed to alter its unique taste.