Bell Pepper Fried Rice: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Fried Rice | Delicious Diary

If you're looking to elevate your fried rice game, Capsicum Fried Rice is the perfect dish to try! Packed with the vibrant colors and subtle sweetness of bell peppers, this flavorful dish combines the simplicity of traditional fried rice with the fresh crunch and nutrition of capsicum. The result is a satisfying and aromatic fried rice with capsicum that makes a delicious and healthy meal. Whether you're using it as a side dish or a main course, this colorful rice dish is sure to delight your taste buds and brighten up your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice (preferably cooked and cooled; day-old rice works best)
• 1 large bell pepper (capsicum), diced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

   • If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray or plate to cool for about 15-20 minutes. Day-old rice works best because it’s firmer and won’t become mushy when frying.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced bell pepper (capsicum) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain their crunch. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the chopped green chili and cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a little heat.

3. Stir-Fry the Rice:

   • Add the cooled rice to the pan, breaking apart any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, letting it fry lightly. This step helps the rice get crispy and absorb all the flavors.

4. Season the Rice:

   • Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garam masala. Stir everything well so the rice is evenly coated with the spices.

5. Add the Bell Pepper:

   • Return the sautéed bell pepper to the pan and mix it with the rice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Final Touches:

   • Taste the rice and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or garam masala can be added according to your preference).
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) for a burst of freshness.

7. Serve:

• Serve the Bell Pepper Fried Rice hot, either on its own or as a side dish to your favorite curry, stir-fry, or grilled meats.

This Bell Pepper Fried Rice recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers, the savory depth of onions, and aromatic spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you're searching for a traditional Indian rice with peppers and onions recipe, a vibrant Mexican rice with peppers and onions recipe, or simply a tasty way to enjoy rice with peppers and onions, this recipe has you covered. The addition of garam masala and green chili gives it a unique Indian twist, but you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.

For those looking for a more global take, variations like rice with peppers and tomatoes, or savoury rice with peppers, can be made by adding fresh tomatoes or other seasonings. This recipe works wonderfully with basmati rice for a fragrant, long-grain experience, or any rice variety you have on hand. Whether you’re preparing a classic bell pepper rice, a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a hearty side dish, this dish brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy!