Shimla Masala Recipe - A Spicy Twist from the Hills

Introduction: 

Shimla Masala, inspired by the vibrant flavors of the hills, is a delightful and aromatic dish that brings together the freshness of bell peppers (Shimla Mirch) with a tantalizing blend of spices. This vegetarian dish is not only visually appealing but also a burst of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating a flavorful Shimla Masala that celebrates the essence of the hills.

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Ingredients:

4 large bell peppers (Shimla Mirch), assorted colors, diced

2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Vegetables:

Wash and dice the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.

If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, thaw them.

Sautéing the Vegetables:

Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Adding Spices:

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chili. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

Cooking the Bell Peppers:

Add the diced bell peppers and green peas to the pan. Stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

Simmering:

Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Tomato Addition:

Once the bell peppers are slightly tender, add chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes a thick masala.

Final Touch:

Adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow the Shimla Masala to simmer for a few more minutes until the flavors meld together.

Garnishing and Serving:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Shimla Masala hot with steamed rice, roti, or your favorite bread.

Conclusion: 

Bring a touch of the hills to your dining table with this delicious and easy-to-make Shimla Masala. Whether you're a fan of spicy delights or simply appreciate the goodness of vegetables, this recipe is a perfect addition to your repertoire of flavorful, vegetarian dishes. Enjoy the unique blend of spices and the freshness of bell peppers in every bite!