Capsicum Chutney / Green Bell Pepper Chutney - Side Dish For Idly

         Capsicum are known by different names and available in different bright colors. I like the green one. I often use green one to make sambar, for topping the pizza and for subzis. I found this chutney in a Tv show so I thought of making this as a side dish for idly. This is very simple to make dish and great in taste and flavor. Capsicum, onion, tomato, red chillies and dals are roasted in oil, ground to a fine paste and finally tempering added to it. It goes well with idly or dosa.


     Ingredients

         2 Green Medium Size Capsicum (Bell Pepper)
         1 Large Red onion
         1 Large Tomato
         2 Garlic Cloves
         2-3 Red Chillies
         2 Tsp of Urad dal
         1 Tsp of Chenna dal
         Blueberry or Small Gooseberry Size of Tamarind
         1 -2 Tbsp of Coriander Leaves, chopped
         2 Tsp of Oil       
         Salt and Water as Needed

     To Temper

         2 Tsp of Gingelly Oil (Indian Sesame Oil)
         1 Tsp of Mustard Seeds
         1 Tsp of Urad Dal
         Few Curry Leaves


     Method

• Heat oil in a pan, add urad dal and channa dal, roast this for few mins until it turns golden brown. Transfer the contents to a plate and keep this aside.
• In the same pan, add oil, red chillies, garlic cloves, onion fry this for 2 mins until onion turns golden brown.
• Add tomato, fry this until it turns mushy.
• Add capsicum, fry this for a min, add tamarind and coriander leaves, fry this for another min and turn off the flame. Let this mixture cool down for 5 mins.
• In a blender(mixie), add urad dal, chenna dal and capsicum-tomato mixture, add 1/4 cup of water and grind it to a smooth paste.
• Heat oil in a pan, when it is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves, after it splutters, pour this over the chutney.
• Capsicum chutney is ready to be served with idly or dosa.

     Tips

• You can do the same recipe with red capsicum.
• If you don't want tamarind in your chutney, instead you can add 2 tomatoes, for tangy taste.
• Adjust the amount of red chillies according to your taste.
• You can use green chillies instead of red chillies.

     Health Benefits of Capsicum/Bell Pepper

• Low in calories and fat.
• Reduces triglycerides levels, thereby enhancing the metabolism.
• Rich source of vitamin A, C, betacarotene and anti-oxidants.
• Good for digestion.
• Treat arthritis and shingles.
• Blood clotting properties.
• Prevents cancer.