Capsicum Masala(ಡೊಣ್ಣ ಮೆಣಸಿನ ಕಾಯಿ ಪಲ್ಯೆ )

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi All,

I have a starting problem!!! I take more than half an hour before I start typing here. Once I start, it goes without break. I know I am not a very good writer and my vocabulary ends only with kitchen or cooking words!! Still I take a lot of time to finish writing one post!! 

Here is one more recipe from North Karnataka. Capsicum or bell peppers or chili pepper call it by any name. It is an universal vegetable and is used in many preparations all over the world. I like the colors of bell peppers, green, yellow, red, purple.. and the shapes : long, short, fat, thin, tiny, big....The big one are not very tasty like the small varieties.

But I like the variety we get in our places. We call these as "Donna Menasinakai" These capsicum are very small in size and have wonderful curved surface. And very very spicy. If you are used to eat spicy food then you will enjoy it. 

The recipe I am giving is an usual way prepared in North Karnataka. It is easy and fast to make. 

Small capsicum - 8 to 10, wash and cut into small or medium cubes.

Oil - 1 tbsp to fry the capsicum 

Onion - 1 big, washed, peeled and cubed

Tamarind paste - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Jaggery - 2 tsp

Turmeric - pinch

Oil - 1 tsp

Jeera or cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves - few

Gurellu (Niger seeds) powder - 1 tsp(recipe here), No problem if you do not have. Use dry coconut powder. The taste will definitely differ but that also tastes good.

Fresh Coriander - 1 tbsp, chopped

Water - 1/2 cup

Fry the capsicum cubes in a oil till they change the color. Be careful to keep the kids far as the smell is very strong. It makes you cough.

Add oil in a kadai. When hot, add jeera, curry leaves and onion. Fry till the onion turns brown. Now add salt, jaggery, tamarind paste, gurellu powder and Turmeric powder. Mix well and add the fried capsicum cubes.  Mix well again. Add water. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning. Garnish with Fresh coriander.

It goes well with Jowar rotti or chapati. 

Again reminding, it is very spicy to eat.

Keep Smiling,