How to Make Bell Pepper with Potato (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Bell Pepper with Potato, known as 'Shimla Mirch Aloo Sabzi' in Hindi, is a beloved vegetarian recipe across India. This vibrant dish features tender potatoes and crisp bell peppers, cooked with aromatic Indian spices. The combination creates a satisfying lunch option that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Shimla Mirch Aloo is found in kitchens from North to South India, each region adding its own touch with local masalas and cooking styles. It’s commonly enjoyed with roti, paratha, or steamed rice, making it a staple in everyday Indian meals. The dish’s origins lie in the adaptability of seasonal vegetables, making it popular during the harvest festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi, when fresh produce is abundant. The taste profile is a harmonious blend of mildly sweet bell peppers and earthy potatoes, elevated by cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Its simplicity and versatility make it suitable for both festive meals and quick weekday lunches, especially for those looking for healthy, home-cooked Indian food.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash and dice the bell peppers and potatoes into bite-sized pieces
Wash and dice the bell peppers and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop onion and tomato.
Step 2 · Heat oil in a tawa or kadhai over medium flame
Heat oil in a tawa or kadhai over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Step 3 · Add chopped onions and sauté until golden
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
Step 4 · Add tomatoes
Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
Step 5 · Add potatoes and stir well
Add potatoes and stir well. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6 · Add bell peppers and salt
Add bell peppers and salt. Mix, cover, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until veggies are tender.
Step 7 · Sprinkle garam masala
Sprinkle garam masala, mix, and cook uncovered for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 8 · Serve hot with roti
Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
Why this recipe is healthy
This dish is a healthy choice because it uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and minimal oil, making it suitable for calorie-conscious diets. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the fiber content supports digestive wellness and keeps you fuller for longer. The recipe avoids processed ingredients, focusing on natural flavors and wholesome nutrition. It’s ideal for lunch as it offers sustained energy without excess calories.
A note on tradition
Shimla Mirch Aloo Sabzi is a staple in North Indian households, often featured during harvest festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi, when fresh vegetables are celebrated. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it’s adapted with local spices and served with bajra or jowar rotis. The dish’s versatility and ease of preparation make it a frequent choice for lunchboxes and festival thalis. It’s typically eaten during lunch, especially in the spring and summer when bell peppers are in season.