Stuffed Shimla Mirch

Ingredients Bell peppers 6 Medium (Assorted colors used) Oil 2 Dash (For greasing the baking pan) FOR THE STUFFING Oil 2 Tablespoon Spice mix 1 Tablespoon (Whole cumin, mustard and fennel seeds may be used) Turmeric powder 1 Pinch Ginger paste 1?2 Tablespoon Garlic paste 1?2 Tablespoon Red chili powder To Taste Coriander cumin powder 1 Tablespoon Shredded coconut 3 Tablespoon Ground peanut 1 Tablespoon Sesame seeds 1 Tablespoon Salt To Taste Chickpea flour 2 Tablespoon (Besan) Water 1?4 Cup (4 tbs) (As needed) Boiled potato 1 1?2 Cup (24 tbs), mashed Coriander leaves 1 Tablespoon, chopped finely (For garnishing) Garam masala 1 Pinch (Optional) Chaat masala 1 Pinch (Optional) FOR THE GRAVY Oil 2 Tablespoon Cumin seeds 1?2 Tablespoon Turmeric powder 1 Pinch (Haldi) Ginger paste 1?2 Tablespoon Garlic paste 1?2 Tablespoon Onion 1 Large, chopped finely Salt To Taste Cashews 2 Tablespoon Raisins 2 Tablespoon Tomatoes 3 Large (Canned crushed tomatoes or puree can be used) Water 1?4 Cup (4 tbs) (As needed) Garam masala 1 Teaspoon (As per taste) Red chili powder 1 Teaspoon (As per taste) Heavy cream/Yogurt 1?4 Cup (4 tbs) FOR GARNISHING Coriander leaves 1 Tablespoon, chopped Things You Will Need 1. Baking pan Instructions GETTING READY 1. Cut each bell pepper into half, remove the insides and set aside. 2. Boil and mash potatoes and keep aside. 3. Grease a baking pan with a little oil. MAKING To prepare the stuffing: 4. Heat a pan with couple of tablespoons oil. 5. When the oil is hot, add the spice mix, turmeric, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder and coriander-cumin powder. Stir for a few seconds. 6. Add the shredded coconut and ground peanut and roast on a medium heat. 7. Stir in some sesame seeds, salt and chickpea flour. Stir to mix well. 8. Add a little bit of water and add the boiled and mashed potatoes. Add garam masala and chaat masala, if using. Stir well and turn off the heat. 9. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and set aside to cool. 10. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 11. Spoon portions of the stuffing and fill each half of bell pepper. 12. Arrange the stuffed bell peppers on the greased baking pan and place in the preheated oven for about 20 - 25 minutes or until you see wrinkles on the skin. Meanwhile, to prepare the gravy: 13. Heat pan with oil, add cumin seeds, turmeric powder. 14. Add ginger paste, garlic paste and onions. Stir to cook the onions until the edges turn golden brown. Add salt. 15. At this point, add the cashews and raisins and stir for a minute. 16. Add the tomatoes, a little water, garam masala and red chili powder. Stir for a couple of minutes. 17. Add heavy cream and mix to combine all the spices well with the cream. (At this point you may add more water, if more gravy is preferred) FINALIZING 18. Remove the prepared gravy onto a serving plate and arrange the roasted bell peppers on top. (You may serve as an appetizer without the gravy) SERVING 19. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or as it is as an appetizer. TIPS You may cook the bell peppers either in a pan or roast in the oven or even in a microwave until you see the skin wrinkled.