- 1
Rinse 250 gms of potatoes under running water. Peel them as necessary and cut them into medium-sized pieces.
- 2
Rinse, wash, and cut the bell peppers into small, similar-sized pieces.
- 3
In a kadai or pan, heat two tablespoons of oil on medium flame.
- 4
Use oil with a high smoking point, like vegetable or sunflower oil, so that it doesn't burn at this hot temperature and gives good texture to the dish.
- 5
Once the oil is hot, add one tsp of cumin seeds (jeera). Let them splutter for a few seconds. Cumin is an absolute staple in Indian cooking. It provides an earthy, warm flavour to the dish.
- 6
Add one finely chopped onion to the pan. Stir the onions and saut them until they turn golden brown.
- 7
Onions not only add flavour but also give the dish a slight sweetness once caramelised.
- 8
Now add one Tsp of ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Saut this for about a minute till it loses that raw smell of ginger and garlic.
- 9
This aroma enhances the flavour of the dish, harmonising well with potatoes and capsicum.
- 10
Add chopped potatoes to the pan. Toss them well so they get covered in spices and saut for 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- 11
Now add the following spices: Haldi- 1/2 Tsp, red chilli powder, one Tsp, dhania/ coriander powder, one Tsp - add and salt to taste.
- 12
Mix well, and spread them evenly.
- 13
Now add the chopped shimla mirch to the pan. Toss them with potatoes and spices.
- 14
This would take another 5-7 minutes, occasionally tossed, till the shimla mirch should be cooked through, though still crunchy.
- 15
At this stage, the vegetables will be tenderised entirely. Season it with chopped coriander leaves, providing a fresh, herby flavour to what otherwise is rich.
- 16
Garnish your aloo shimla mirch with coriander.
- 17
Your Aloo Shimla Mirch is now ready to be served! This dish can be served very well with roti or paratha and rice.
- 18
For added zing, you could add a pinch of garam masala or amchur powder (dried mango powder) just before serving.