Here’s a delicious and easy Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf) recipe that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner — fragrant, colorful, and made in one pot! πΆ️π
πΎ Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Difficulty: Easy
Style: Indian-inspired or lightly spiced pilaf
π§Ί Ingredients
Main:
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1 cup basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
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2 tablespoons oil or ghee
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1 teaspoon cumin seeds
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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1–2 green chilies, slit (optional for spice)
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1½ cups mixed bell peppers (capsicum) — red, yellow, and green, thinly sliced
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Salt to taste
Spices (adjust to taste):
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½ teaspoon turmeric powder
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1 teaspoon coriander powder
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½ teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
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½ teaspoon red chili powder or paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For garnish:
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2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (fresh coriander)
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1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
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Optional: toasted cashews or peanuts
π³ Instructions
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Prepare the rice:
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Rinse rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
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Soak it in water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
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SautΓ© aromatics:
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Heat oil or ghee in a pot or deep pan.
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Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
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Add sliced onions and sautΓ© until they turn golden brown.
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Add garlic and green chilies; sautΓ© for another 30 seconds.
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Cook the capsicum:
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Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
(Keep them slightly crisp — don’t overcook!)
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Add spices:
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Mix in turmeric, coriander powder, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
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Stir well to coat the veggies evenly.
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Add rice and water:
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Add soaked and drained rice, mix gently.
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Pour in 2 cups of water (for 1 cup rice).
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until rice is done and fluffy.
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Finish & serve:
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Turn off the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes.
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Fluff the rice with a fork.
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Sprinkle lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
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Add toasted nuts if desired.
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Step 1: Rinse and soak the rice
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Take 1 cup rice in a bowl.
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Rinse 2–3 times in cold water until it runs clear.
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Soak the rice in water for about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
(This helps the rice cook fluffy and not sticky.)
Step 2: Heat oil and temper spices
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In a heavy-bottomed pot or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee on medium heat.
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Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter — this releases aroma.
Step 3: SautΓ© onions and garlic
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Add the sliced onions to the pan.
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SautΓ© until they turn light golden brown (about 3–4 minutes).
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Add minced garlic and green chilies, and sautΓ© for 30 seconds more.
Step 4: Add capsicum (bell peppers)
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Add the sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green).
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Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they slightly soften but remain crisp.
(Don’t overcook; we want the peppers colorful and slightly crunchy!)
Step 5: Add spices
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Sprinkle in the following:
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½ tsp turmeric
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1 tsp coriander powder
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½ tsp chili powder or paprika
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½ tsp garam masala
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Salt to taste
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Mix well to coat the veggies evenly in the spices.
Step 6: Add rice and water
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Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan.
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Gently mix so the rice absorbs the flavors of the spices and veggies.
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Add 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
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Stir once, then bring to a boil.
Step 7: Cook the rice
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Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low.
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Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 10–12 minutes.
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Do not stir during cooking.
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After 10 minutes, check — the rice should be soft and all water absorbed.
Step 8: Rest and fluff
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Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
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Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 9: Finish and serve
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Add lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
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(Optional) Garnish with toasted cashews or peanuts for crunch.
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Serve hot with raita, papad, or a simple salad.
πΆ️ Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf) — Continued
Step 10: Add lemon juice
Once the rice is cooked and fluffed, sprinkle 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice evenly over it.
➡️ This brightens the flavor and keeps the rice tasting fresh.
Step 11: Add herbs
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves).
➡️ Toss gently to mix the herbs into the rice — they’ll release a lovely aroma.
Step 12: Add crunchy topping (optional)
In a small pan, toast a handful of cashews or peanuts in a teaspoon of oil until golden brown.
➡️ Sprinkle them on top of the rice before serving for a nice crunch.
Step 13: Taste and adjust
Taste the rice — if it needs more salt, lemon, or spice, adjust it now.
➡️ Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
Step 14: Serve hot
Serve the Capsicum Rice warm, right out of the pot.
➡️ It pairs wonderfully with raita (yogurt dip), papad, or a light curry.
Step 15: Garnish for presentation
If you’re serving guests:
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Top with extra bell pepper slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
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Drizzle a few drops of ghee or olive oil on top for shine and aroma.
Step 16: For meal prep
If you want to make it ahead:
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Cool the rice completely before storing.
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Transfer it into an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Step 17: To reheat
When ready to serve:
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Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water over the rice.
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Microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat on a low flame in a covered pan.
➡️ This helps the rice stay soft and moist.
Step 18: Turn it into a meal
To make it heartier, mix in:
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Paneer cubes, tofu, or grilled chicken
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Green peas or sweet corn
➡️ This turns your pilaf into a wholesome one-pot meal!
Step 19: For a milder, Western-style flavor
If you prefer a non-spicy version:
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Skip chili powder and garam masala.
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Use 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon thyme, and a pinch of black pepper instead.
➡️ You’ll get a fragrant Mediterranean-style Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf.
Step 20: Enjoy and store recipe notes
Serve and enjoy your flavorful Capsicum Rice! πΆ️
Keep this recipe saved — it’s perfect for:
-
Lunchboxes
-
Quick dinners
-
Leftover rice upgrades
Serve and enjoy your flavorful Capsicum Rice! πΆ️
Keep this recipe saved — it’s perfect for:
-
Lunchboxes
-
Quick dinners
-
Leftover rice upgrades
Step 21: Add a touch of sweetness (optional)
To balance the spice, add a teaspoon of sweet corn or a few raisins while cooking.
➡️ It gives a lovely sweet-salty flavor contrast.
Step 22: Make it protein-rich
You can add:
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Scrambled eggs for an Indo-Chinese twist
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Chickpeas (boiled) or lentils for a vegan option
➡️ Stir them in gently after the rice is cooked.
Step 23: Add more veggies (optional)
Enhance nutrition and color by adding:
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Carrots, peas, or beans (lightly steamed)
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Sweet corn or zucchini
➡️ Add them when you add the bell peppers (Step 4 or 5).
Step 24: Make it extra aromatic
Before adding rice to the pan, you can add:
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1 small bay leaf
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1 clove and ½ inch cinnamon stick
➡️ This gives the rice a gentle pilaf-style aroma.
Step 25: Turn it into a layered dish
You can layer the rice with sautΓ©ed peppers for presentation:
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Add half the rice, then half the bell pepper mix
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Repeat, and top with herbs
➡️ Perfect for parties or buffet-style serving!
Step 26: Add a touch of heat (optional)
For a spicier version:
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Add 1 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
➡️ Mix just before serving for a kick!
Step 27: Make it a fusion dish
Want an international twist? Try these ideas:
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Mexican style: Add corn, black beans, cumin, and a squeeze of lime.
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Italian style: Use olive oil, oregano, basil, and parmesan.
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Thai style: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped basil.
Step 28: Serve in style
Serve your rice in:
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A wide bowl for family meals
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Or individual cups (garnished with colorful pepper strips) for a fancier presentation.
➡️ It looks great and keeps the rice fluffy.
Step 29: Store leftovers correctly
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Let the rice cool completely (within 1 hour of cooking).
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Store in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
➡️ Do not leave rice out at room temperature for too long — it can spoil.
Let the rice cool completely (within 1 hour of cooking).
Store in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
➡️ Do not leave rice out at room temperature for too long — it can spoil.
Step 30: Reuse leftovers creatively
If you have leftover Capsicum Rice:
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Make rice-stuffed bell peppers — hollow out a pepper and bake it filled with rice!
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Use it as a filling for wraps or burritos.
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Turn it into a quick fried rice by stir-frying with soy sauce and scrambled egg.
If you have leftover Capsicum Rice:
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Make rice-stuffed bell peppers — hollow out a pepper and bake it filled with rice!
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Use it as a filling for wraps or burritos.
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Turn it into a quick fried rice by stir-frying with soy sauce and scrambled egg.
Step 31: Infuse with flavored oils
Before cooking, you can infuse your oil or ghee with flavor:
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Heat oil, then add a crushed garlic clove, a small cinnamon stick, or a few curry leaves.
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Remove them before adding onions.
➡️ This gives a subtle aroma that elevates the dish.
Step 32: Use vegetable or chicken stock instead of water
Instead of plain water, cook the rice in vegetable broth or chicken stock.
➡️ It makes the rice richer, more flavorful, and gives it a “pilaf” feel.
Step 33: Add a hint of smoke (optional)
For a restaurant-style smoky flavor:
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After cooking, place a small bowl with hot charcoal inside the pot.
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Add a few drops of ghee on the charcoal and cover for 2 minutes.
➡️ The rice will absorb a mild smoky aroma — this is called the “dhungar” method.
Step 34: Make it buttery soft
Just before serving, add ½ tablespoon of butter or ghee and mix gently.
➡️ This gives a glossy texture and a melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Step 35: Create a layered presentation
To make it visually appealing:
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Layer rice and bell pepper mixture in alternating colors (green, yellow, red).
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Finish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of roasted nuts on top.
Step 36: Pair with the right sides
Capsicum Rice pairs beautifully with:
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Cucumber or onion raita
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Yogurt mint sauce
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Paneer butter masala, dal tadka, or grilled chicken
➡️ The mild spice balances creamy or tangy sides perfectly.
Step 37: Adjust spice for different palates
If cooking for kids or guests:
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Reduce chili powder and garam masala.
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Add a little black pepper and lemon zest instead.
➡️ It keeps the dish flavorful but gentle.
Step 38: Add fresh crunch before serving
Right before serving, mix in:
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Finely chopped spring onions
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A few raw bell pepper strips
➡️ This adds color, crunch, and freshness.
Step 39: Use leftovers creatively (upgrade version)
Leftover Capsicum Rice can become:
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Stuffed tomato or zucchini filling
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Rice salad (tossed with olive oil, chickpeas, and feta cheese)
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Spicy rice patties — mix with mashed potato, form small tikkis, and pan-fry!
Step 40: Perfect your timing and texture
To get restaurant-quality rice every time:
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Soak the rice for at least 15 minutes.
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Use the 1:2 rice-to-water ratio.
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Cook covered on low heat and rest before fluffing.
➡️ You’ll get separate, fragrant, fluffy grains — never mushy.
✅ End of Steps The Master Level
Now you’ve got not just a recipe, but the complete art of making perfect, flavorful Capsicum Rice every single time — from homestyle comfort to elegant restaurant presentation.
To get restaurant-quality rice every time:
-
Soak the rice for at least 15 minutes.
-
Use the 1:2 rice-to-water ratio.
-
Cook covered on low heat and rest before fluffing.
➡️ You’ll get separate, fragrant, fluffy grains — never mushy.
✅ End of Steps The Master Level
Now you’ve got not just a recipe, but the complete art of making perfect, flavorful Capsicum Rice every single time — from homestyle comfort to elegant restaurant presentation.
π Conclusion — Capsicum Rice / Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf πΆ️π
You’ve now mastered the complete journey of making delicious, colorful, and aromatic Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf) — from the basics (Steps 1–10) to advanced flavoring and presentation techniques (Steps 31–40).
This dish is:
✅ Simple – One pot, easy ingredients, and quick to cook.
✅ Vibrant – A rainbow of bell peppers brings color, crunch, and nutrients.
✅ Versatile – Easily adjustable to Indian, Mediterranean, or fusion styles.
✅ Comforting & Wholesome – Light, flavorful, and suitable for all ages.
You’ve now mastered the complete journey of making delicious, colorful, and aromatic Capsicum Rice (Bell Pepper Rice Pilaf) — from the basics (Steps 1–10) to advanced flavoring and presentation techniques (Steps 31–40).
This dish is:
✅ Simple – One pot, easy ingredients, and quick to cook.
✅ Vibrant – A rainbow of bell peppers brings color, crunch, and nutrients.
✅ Versatile – Easily adjustable to Indian, Mediterranean, or fusion styles.
✅ Comforting & Wholesome – Light, flavorful, and suitable for all ages.
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