Capsicum rice

capsicum rice

🌾 Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice) — Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Mornings

Fragrant, colorful, and ready in minutes, Capsicum Rice or Bell Pepper Rice is one of those comforting South Indian dishes that makes the perfect lunchbox option. The gentle crunch of capsicum pairs beautifully with aromatic spices and freshly cooked rice, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

What makes this recipe truly special is the homemade flavoring powder — a versatile spice blend that forms the heart of this dish. If you roast and grind this masala in advance, your morning rush becomes a breeze! I highly recommend preparing a slightly larger batch, as this same powder can transform your weekday cooking. Use it to make potato-onion rice, cabbage rice, beans-carrot rice, or even mixed vegetable rice — each turns out with a unique, vibrant flavor.

There are endless variations to this simple dish, but I like to keep it light, mildly spiced, and kid-friendly — just the way it should be for a lunchbox meal. This base masala powder is my go-to secret for not just rice varieties, but also chutneys, gravies, and dry curries. I actually look forward to making variety rice dishes as an excuse to prepare a fresh batch of this magic powder!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or an easy dish to pack for travel, Capsicum Rice brings together taste, convenience, and a touch of homemade warmth in every bite.

Capsicum rice

Capsicum rice

Ingredients

To roast and grind for the masala powder

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp chana dal

1 tbsp udad dal

handful of skinned pewanuts

1 tbsp coriander seeds

red chiliies about 5-6

few curry leaves

1 gooseberry size tamrind piece .

1/4 cup dessicated coconut powder .

1 piece of asafoetida

Roast all the above without burning , making sure to add coconut at the end .

allow to cool and powder slightly coarsely .

Note this powder can be used for few more times ,so use only as much as is needed to flavour the rice . store the rest in a conatainer to add to other poriyals, or rice dishes with other vegetables.

Other ingredients

About 2 -3 cups of Cooked cooled rice either basmati or plain rice . keep aside and keep it fluffed .

3 bell peppers chopped . or as much as you need for the dish .

pinch of turmeric powder

chopped coriander leaves for garnishing .

salt

1 tbsp ghee or oil

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp udad dal

few curry leaves

Method

To a a pan add oil ,splutter mustard seeds , add udad dal , few curry leaves , allow the dal to become golden.

Add the chopped capsicum pieces, add salt and turmeric powder .

when the capsicums have cooked , add the ground masala powder , toss well, add cooked cooled rice , and mix gently , check for salt and spice and add accordingly .

Lastly add one tbsp ghee or sesame oil to mix with rice for a delcious aroma and taste .

Delicious capsicum rice is ready for a lunch box or a meal at home with some cucumber raita as an accopmpaniment .

watch my youtube video of this recipe .