Bell Peppers.

Botanical Name:  Capsicum Annuum

 

'Bell peppers'-does this name remind you off something? Does this look like a bell?, and hence is the name ' Bell pepper'. I don't think so.  I don't even know why bell peppers are called so...But, I can tell you some facts about bell peppers.

 

I like this vegetable a lot, I think bell peppers are very easy handle, just wash and cut them into half  and remove the seeds before you anything with this vegetable (I have seen some people roasting peppers with cutting it, you can do that too). Even the newbie's in the kitchen can easily cut good dices of bell peppers without chopping off their finger. Trust me!!!  Let me  tell you some facts about bell peppers.

 

 Bell Pepper are also known as Capsicum. In India and in  most of the Asian countries, Australia and Newzeland it is known  as capsicum and rest of the world call it as bell peppers. 

 Native of  South America, it is widely cultivated all around the globe. Best grown in temperate climate. China being the largest producer, Mexico and Indonesia hold second and third position respectively.

I have even tried growing them at my garden, gave me a couple of green bell peppers and the shrub did not last long enough. May be I did not take enough care of it!!!

 Bell peppers are normally seen in red,yellow and green in color. Orange, Chocolate brown, white, purple color also seen in some parts of  the world.

 

Red Peppers

Yellow Peppers

Green Peppers

 Cooking with bell peppers.

After carefully studying bell peppers over a period of time,what I find interesting is that they are generally sweet and mild in nature. Green is less sweet or more bitter than yellow and red.Red peppers are the sweetest and mildest in nature.

It’s generally said that taste can vary in accordance with the growing condition.

Peppers  caught the attraction  of chef's all around world from a very long time for it's colourfullness, flexbility in cooking and flavors.This  vegetable is  used in cooking  for various reasons .It adds colour and flavour to salads,soups,main dishes and stir fries and garnishes.

Bell peppers can be roasted,grilled,steamed,saute'd or even cooked in microwave.

Peppers are also used as salad toppings.It has become a permanent  member of  salad bars all around the globe. It's 'crunchiness' is what everyone loves to the most. Who does not like julienne of peppers with their salads?

Bell peppers are a must in Chinese and Mexican cuisine. Can anyone think of a Fajita or a Tortilla wrap without peppers in it?

 Pepper and Tomato salsa with tortilla chips is something worth trying.

Stuffed bell peppers is served as a main course and as a starter as well .

Pepper coulis is served hot or cold, adds  flavour and colour to  soups  and even served as a  accompaniment for the meat dishes(pronounced as Coo-lee).

The most common cut of peppers are dices( small and big),diamond (mostly in Chinese cooking), julienne, baton and batonnet.

Health and Bell peppers:

Bell peppers are a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants!!! (antioxidants inhibits oxidation,repairs dead body cells and removes free radicles).

Red peppers have more Vitamin C content than green peppers.

 I prefer this eating raw, Oh! well, you have to like the raw flavor then. Clip your nose and eat, No I am just kidding!!! Some people may find it eating in raw in the beginning, but keep in mind ' bell peppers are one of the best source of antioxidants'.

  Now you know, you have every reason for adding bell peppers into your diet!!!

 

 

 

 

Recpie for Pepper and Tomato salsa.

 

For 4 servings.

 

250 gm       Peppers (roasted and diced).

50 gm         Cherry Tomatoes.

50 gm         Tomatoes (diced).

50gm         Onion (diced).

2/3              Garlic (finely chopped).

3 Tbsp        Olive oil.

2 Tbsp        Red wine vinegar.

Cilantro / Coriander leaves ( chopped).

Salt and White pepper to taste.

Method of Preparation. 

 Cut bell peppers in to half ,dessed and apply olive oil over it and roast in the combi oven ,over a medium heat (preferably 250 farenheit) for about 20 minutes.Peel the skin off and dice them without overhandling it. 

In mixing bowl, mix to together all the ingridients and season it with salt and white pepper.Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves towards the end and give it gentle mix.

Recipe For Pepper Coulis:

For 4 servings.

3 pcs      Bell pepper(medium sized)

10 gm     Onion / Shallots.

2Tbsp     Vinegar.

2Tbsp     Olive oil.

Water

Sugar, Salt and White pepper to taste.

 

Method Of Preparation.

Cut onion and peppers into small dices.Heat olive in a sauce pan,add onion and cook it for a while.Add peppers into it and continue to cook until it becomes soft.Add enough water to cover the peppers and bring it to boil.Reduce fire and add sugar and salt until the peppers are compltely cooked.Remove from the fire and add vinegar and white pepper.Check and adjust the seasoning.Sugar and salt should be added enough to balance the taste.

Let the mixture cool down a bit and blend to fine thick liquid---Coulis.

Caution; when processing in the blender as the hot steam built up inside the blender can sometimes blow the lid off .Start on a slow speed, stop, open the lid and the steam escape and gradually increase the speed.

 

 

 

 

  HAPPY COOKING, Enjoy!!!