Capsicum Green

Capsicum GreenCapsicum Green Overview Green Capsicum (Capsicum annuum), also known as green bell pepper, is a popular vegetable that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. It is known for its slightly bitter taste compared to its sweeter colored counterparts (red, yellow, orange). Green capsicum is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to meals. Nutritional Value of Green Capsicum (per 100g): Calories: 20 kcal

Capsicum Green Overview

Green Capsicum (Capsicum annuum), also known as green bell pepper, is a popular vegetable that is widely used in various cuisines around the world. It is known for its slightly bitter taste compared to its sweeter colored counterparts (red, yellow, orange). Green capsicum is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to meals.

Nutritional Value of Green Capsicum (per 100g):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Vitamin C: 80 mg (133% of the daily recommended intake)
• Vitamin A: 370 IU
• Vitamin K: 126 mcg (157% of the daily recommended intake)
• Potassium: 211 mg (6% of the daily recommended intake)

Health Benefits of Green Capsicum:

1. Rich in Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune health and skin.
2. Low in Calories: A low-calorie food that aids in weight management.
3. High in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
4. Digestive Health: Good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
5. Heart Health: Potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

How to Eat Green Capsicum:

• Raw: Can be eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.
• Cooked: Often used in stir-fries, curries, and stuffed dishes.
• Grilled or Roasted: Adds a smoky flavor to various dishes.

Recipes Using Green Capsicum

Indian Recipes

1. Stuffed Capsicum

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 4 large
  • Cooked rice: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Tomato: 1, chopped
  • Green chili: 1, finely chopped
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cut the tops off the capsicum and remove seeds.
  3. Heat oil in a pan; add onion, green chili, and sauté until soft.
  4. Add tomatoes, cooked rice, garam masala, and salt; mix well.
  5. Stuff the mixture into the capsicum and place them in a baking dish.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until capsicum is tender.

2. Capsicum Bhaji (Stir-fried Capsicum)

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 2, sliced
  • Onion: 1, sliced
  • Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add sliced capsicum, turmeric, and salt; cook for 5-7 minutes.

3. Capsicum Curry

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 2, diced
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Tomato: 1, chopped
  • Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan; add onions and sauté until golden.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes; cook until soft.
  3. Add diced capsicum, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Add garam masala and mix well; serve with rice or chapati.

4. Capsicum Pulao

• Ingredients:
  • Basmati rice: 1 cup
  • Green capsicum: 1, diced
  • Onion: 1, sliced
  • Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
  • Water: 2 cups
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pot; add cumin seeds and sauté.
  2. Add sliced onions and ginger-garlic paste; sauté until golden.
  3. Add diced capsicum and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add rinsed basmati rice, water, and salt; bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is done.

5. Capsicum and Potato Sabzi

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 1, diced
  • Potato: 2, peeled and diced
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
• Method:
  1. Heat oil in a pan; add onions and sauté until translucent.
  2. Add potatoes, turmeric, and salt; cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Add diced capsicum and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender.

Non-Indian Recipes

1. Stuffed Green Peppers

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 4 large
  • Ground beef: 500g
  • Rice: 1 cup, cooked
  • Tomato sauce: 1 cup
  • Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cut the tops off the capsicum and remove seeds.
  3. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain excess fat.
  4. Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stuff the mixture into capsicum, top with cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

2. Green Pepper Salad

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 1, diced
  • Cucumber: 1, diced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. In a bowl, combine diced capsicum, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; toss well.

3. Green Pepper Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Green capsicum: 2, sliced
  • Broccoli: 1 cup, chopped
  • Carrot: 1, sliced
  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Method:
  1. Heat olive oil in a wok; add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  2. Add broccoli, carrot, and sliced capsicum; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Green Pepper and Chicken Stir-Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken breast: 500g, sliced
  • Green capsicum: 1, sliced
  • Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Method:
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan; add ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.
  2. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
  3. Add sliced capsicum and soy sauce; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.

5. Green Pepper Pasta

• Ingredients:
  • Pasta: 250g
  • Green capsicum: 1, diced
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
• Method:
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil; add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add diced capsicum; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Combine cooked pasta, sautéed capsicum, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; mix well.

Green Capsicum is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!