Peanut & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe – Quick Indian Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Peanut & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe – Quick Indian Side Dish

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful side dish that comes together in minutes. This Peanut & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is exactly that. It’s a staple in my house – I first made it when I was craving something crunchy, spicy, and satisfying, and it’s been a hit ever since! It’s perfect with roti, rice, or even just on its own as a little snack. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry is seriously a winner. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and is bursting with flavor. The combination of crunchy peanuts, slightly sweet bell peppers, and a hint of spice is just divine. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies! It’s a wonderfully versatile dish, too – easily adaptable to your spice preference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious stir-fry:

• 3 Bell Pepper (Capsicum), whole
• 3 Jalapenos, whole (or less, depending on your spice preference!)
• 0.5 cup Raw Peanuts
• 1 tbsp Oil
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.125 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Powder
• 0.5 tsp Coriander Powder
• Salt to taste
• Lime Juice to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors – red, yellow, and green – for a visually appealing dish.
• Jalapenos: These add a lovely kick! If you’re not a fan of heat, you can remove the seeds or use milder green chilies. In some regions of India, people use longer, thinner green chilies for a different flavor profile.
• Peanuts: Raw peanuts are key here. They get beautifully toasted and crunchy during the cooking process.
• Asafoetida (Hing): Don’t skip this! It adds a unique savory depth that’s hard to replicate. It has a pungent smell in its raw form, but it mellows out beautifully when cooked. It’s also fantastic for digestion!
• Spices: Freshly ground spices always give the best flavor, but pre-ground work just fine in a pinch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers.
2. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 10-15 seconds. This releases their amazing aroma.
3. Stir in the turmeric powder and peanuts. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the peanuts are golden and fragrant. Keep stirring so they don’t burn!
4. Add the cubed bell peppers and jalapenos (if using). Give everything a good mix.
5. Sprinkle in the cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Toss to coat the veggies evenly with the spices.
6. Now, cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the peppers soften and the flavors meld together.
7. Continue to cook until the peppers are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. You want them to have a little bit of bite, but not be completely raw.
8. Turn off the heat and drizzle generously with fresh lime juice. This brightens up the whole dish!
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a large batch, cook it in two batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Keep a close eye on the peanuts – they can burn quickly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

This recipe is super flexible. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Spice Level: For a milder stir-fry, omit the jalapenos altogether. For medium heat, use 1-2 jalapenos. And for a fiery kick, add more! My friend loves adding a pinch of cayenne pepper too.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: This is already pretty quick, but you can save even more time by using pre-cut bell peppers.
• Festival Adaptations: This makes a wonderful side dish for a Thali during festivals. It adds a lovely textural contrast to the other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This Peanut & Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile!

• Serve it hot with roti, paratha, or naan.
• It’s also delicious with a simple bowl of rice.
• You can even enjoy it as a side with dal and other Indian curries.

Storage Instructions

This stir-fry is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peanuts might lose a little of their crunch, but it will still taste great!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this dish best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! It’s at its crunchiest and most flavorful when served right away.
• Can I use different types of nuts instead of peanuts? Definitely! Cashews or almonds would also be delicious.
• How can I adjust the spice level of this stir-fry? Control the amount of jalapenos you use, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• What is Asafoetida and what does it add to the flavor? Asafoetida (Hing) is a resin with a pungent smell that transforms into a savory, umami flavor when cooked. It adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Can I make this ahead of time? While you can prep the veggies ahead of time, I recommend cooking it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Enjoy this recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!