Bell Peppers - Shimla Baigan Bhartha

Shimla Capsicum Bhartha, originally uploaded by brinku11.

You know, I've got to tell you, I think we Indians should patent the word capsicum, I have so gotten used to saying, "bell pepper" but a part of me longs for that somewhat small slightly spicer and really flavorful capsicum.

But, on the other hand, I love colorful red and yellow peppers which you do not find so readily in India. A red bell pepper is amazingly flavorful, especially roasted. Of course, nothing like a smoked eggplant! Mix them together, you get a scintilating mix of taste and flavor.

Try this luscious bhartha, which is very simple, just takes a little time to roast the vegetables.

Shimla Baigan Bhartha

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion finely chopped
2 tsp very finely shredded ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced green chillies
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin-coriander powder
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup frozen green peas (thawed)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 tbsp chat masala

Method of Preparation

1. On an open flame, gas or grill roast the eggplants and peppers till the skin turns black. For the eggplant the outer skin should char and begin to crack.
2. Place the peppers in ziplock bags to cool for 10 minutes, the moisture helps with peeling the skin off. The eggplant can be placed on a plate.
3. Remove the dark skin of the eggplant and the peppers,
4. Coarsely chop the peppers.
5. Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds, followed by the onion, ginger and garlic.
6. Saute this till the onions begin turning golden, add in the eggplant and peppers and mix well, mashing the mixture while stirring.
7. Add in the chillies, salt, cumin-coriander powder, tomato paste and continue mixing on medium heat. Cook in this manner for about 5 minutes.
8. Add in the peas, cilantro and chat masala.
9. Serve hot

Sending this entry to Pooja, at My Creative ideas, for Jhiva and Vow - Bell peppers.