Capsicum Rice Recipe (Capsicum Pulao)

Capsicum Rice is one of those dishes that brings comfort with minimal effort. This fragrant dish is created with bell peppers, spices, and basmati rice. It is perfect for a warm lunch or light dinner, and a lunch box dish for kids. This flavorful pulao adds beauty and flavor to the meal. With basic ingredients, this can become your go-to recipe.

Its sheer simplicity of this recipe that makes it stand out. There are no fancy ingredients included and thus, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, creating this versatile dish. It pairs effortlessly with plain curd, raita, or pepper papad. And if you have any leftover gravies, it can paired well with this dish. It offers the joy of a wholesome, home-cooked meal.

Jump to:

• About Capsicum Rice
• Capsicum Rice Ingredients
• How to make Capsicum Rice Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving & Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Capsicum Rice

Capsicum Rice is a flavorful rice dish made using bell peppers (capsicum), a few whole spices, and long-grain basmati rice. It stands as a perfect meal for those who want a simple, hearty meal with nutritional values intact. Capsicum brings its sweetness and crunch to the dish. Peanuts and coconuts add flavors to the dish along with freshly grounded masala specially curated for capsicum pulao.

I had a few capsicums lying in the fridge and instead of creating a Chinese dish, I came up with this version of Capsicum Pulao to suit our taste buds. It was approved by my little one, with smiles ear to ear, and my husband loves this not-so-fancy dish as it gives him that comfort feel even amidst his busy schedule.

This is a vegan-friendly dish for vegan food lovers. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this pulao is perfect for lunch boxes, or if you are expecting sudden guests. This dish can be a savior especially when there are capsicums lying in the fridge. You can even make it with leftover rice, but it tastes best when made with freshly cooked basmati rice.

Capsicum Rice Ingredients

• Cooked rice – You can use leftover rice or freshly cooked rice. I have used basmati rice but you can use regular cooking rice or even seeraga samba rice.
• Capsicum – I have used color capsicum for an appealing look. You can add just green capsicum too.
• Ginger, Garlic – Ginger and garlic adds spice and flavor while grinded with cashews and pepper corns.
• Cashews – when grind to a paste gives rich taste to the pulao. You can even add ghee fried cashews at the final stage for extra crunch.
• Peppercorns – Add spice and flavor to the masala paste when grinded with other ingredients.
• Cumin Seeds – used for tempering and adds flavor.
• Garam Masala Powder- brings the whole dish together with its aroma and flavor
• Whole Spices – Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and star anise are added while cooking rice which flavors the rice.
• Oil, Ghee – helps to sauté capsicum and while tempering.

Why this recipe works?        

• Simple with minimal ingredient
• Nutritious and filing
• Beginner’s friendly and vegan dish.
• Perfect for everyday cooking
• Quick and kids-friendly
• Simple grounded masala for additional flavors

Similar Recipes

• Beetroot rice
• Pineapple pulao
• Tawa pulao
• Veg pulao
• Chana pulao

How to make Capsicum Rice Step by Step

1.Rinse rice, Soak rice for 10 minutes, Keep aside. In a mixer add all the ingredients listed under ‘to grind’ table and grind it to a fine paste with little water. Set aside.

2.In a pan heat water and let it to boil. Once it starts to boil add the rice, required salt and spices(cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and star anise) and let it cook. Cook till its soft and tender with each grains separated.

3.Drain water from the rice, fluff it up and set aside, Discard the spices. Heat a pan with oil + ghee then add jeera , let it crackle then add cashew paste.

4.Saute for few minutes till raw smell of garlic leaves. Then add capsicum and sauté for 5more mins.

5.Add garam masala powder and sauté for 2 minutes. Add required salt. Then add rice and mix well. Fluff it up and cook for 2-3 minutes until the flavors blend with rice. Switch off.

Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Cooked Rice – Cool the rice before mixing with the veggies. Hot rice can break the grains and make them mushy pulao. You can even use leftover rice too. Adding whole spices while cooking rice makes it more flavorful. 
• Don’t Overcook – Overcooking the capsicum can dull the dish and also the crunch will be missing. Let it be slightly crunchy for additional taste.
• Masala – Cashew, ginger, garlic and pepper adds a mild flavor to the pulao. You can add whole spices too while grinding.
• Add a Dash of Ghee – Add a spoonful of ghee while serving for that extra aroma and flavor. If you are making it vegan, skip it.
• Garnish Well – You can garnish with chopped coriander leaves for a fresh look and taste.
• Others – You can add onion while sauteing capsicum, it adds nice taste, crunch and flavor.

Serving & Storage

You can serve this versatile dish with curd or raita. It goes well with onion kachumbar, achar, and papad as well.

Store the leftover pulao in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 2 days. Sprinkle water while reheating in pan. Microwave it to keep it moist and fluffy. It is best not to freeze the dish as capsicum tends to go saggy and lose its crunch.

FAQS

1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use leftover rice any day, as they are drier and won’t break rice when tossed with masala.

2. What kind of capsicum works best?

You can use green capsicum for the classic flavor. I have used yellow, red and green capsicum. Red and yellow adds a mild sweet taste.

3. Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes 100% vegan and gluten-free. You can skip the ghee if using it.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

5.Can I prep anything in advance?

Yes, You can also chop the capsicum and refrigerate it the previous night.

If you have any more questions about this Capsicum Rice Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

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