Capsicum Chutney Recipe | Restaurant Style Bell Pepper Pachadi

🌶️ Capsicum Chutney Recipe

Enjoy a restaurant-style capsicum chutney made with fresh green bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
This chutney has the perfect balance of flavors — mild sweetness from onions, tanginess from tomatoes and tamarind, and a subtle spice kick from green chilies.
Whether you enjoy it with idli, dosa, uttapam, chapati, or steamed rice, this chutney adds a delicious twist to your regular side dishes.
It’s quick, nutritious, and full of South Indian flair — ideal for both beginners and experts in the kitchen.

🍲 About the Recipe

Capsicum Chutney (also known as Bell Pepper Chutney) is a unique and flavorful South Indian condiment prepared with sautéed green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
The mild heat of capsicum combines beautifully with the tang of tamarind and the aromatic spices used in South Indian cooking.
This chutney not only elevates your breakfast dishes like idli and dosa but also pairs perfectly with chapati or hot rice.
The tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal adds a beautiful crunch and aroma to finish the dish.

This recipe is a great way to make use of extra capsicums sitting in your kitchen.
Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor — making it a wholesome, easy, and budget-friendly side dish for any South Indian meal.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick and easy — ready in under 15 minutes
✅ Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C from capsicum
✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
✅ Perfect accompaniment for idli, dosa, chapati, or rice
✅ Bursting with flavor and texture from roasted veggies
✅ Great way to include more vegetables in your daily meals

🛒 Ingredients Required

For Chutney:

Green Capsicum (Bell Pepper) – 2 medium (roughly chopped)
Onion – 1 medium (sliced)
Tomato – 1 medium (chopped)
Green Chilies – 3–4 (adjust to spice level)
Garlic – 3–4 cloves
Tamarind – small piece (optional, for tanginess)
Oil – 2 tbsp (preferably gingelly oil for flavor)
Salt – to taste

For Tempering:

Oil – 1 tbsp
Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Dry Red Chili – 1
Curry Leaves – 6–8

🔪 Preparation Steps

Sauté the Ingredients: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add sliced onion, garlic cloves, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden and aromatic.
Cook Capsicum & Tomato: Add chopped capsicum and tomato. Fry until the vegetables are soft and the raw smell disappears.
Add Tamarind & Salt: Mix in tamarind (optional) and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool.
Grind the Chutney: Transfer to a blender and grind into a smooth chutney (add little water if needed).
Prepare Tempering: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chili, and curry leaves. Let them splutter and turn golden.
Combine & Serve: Pour tempering over the chutney, mix well, and serve immediately.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Roast and Sauté

Begin by heating gingelly oil in a pan. Add onions, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become slightly golden and aromatic. This creates a rich base for the chutney.

Step 2: Add Capsicum and Tomato

Next, add chopped green capsicum and tomatoes. The capsicum should soften while maintaining a little crunch for texture. Cook until the raw smell disappears completely.

Step 3: Add Tamarind and Cool

Mix in a small piece of tamarind for tanginess and salt to taste. Cook for 1–2 minutes and then let the mixture cool. Cooling helps retain a bright green color and avoids bitterness.

Step 4: Blend Smoothly

Transfer the sautéed mixture into a blender. Grind to a smooth consistency using minimal water. For a rustic touch, grind it slightly coarse.

Step 5: Tempering for Aroma

In a separate small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and a dry red chili. Once they splutter and turn golden, pour this tempering over the chutney and mix well.

Step 6: Serve Fresh

Your delicious Capsicum Chutney is ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature with idli, dosa, or any South Indian meal.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Perfect with idli, dosa, uttapam, or chapati.
Serve as a side with pongal, pesarattu, or curd rice.
Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee.

💪 Health Benefits

Capsicum is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen immunity.
Contains dietary fiber that aids digestion and improves gut health.
Low in calories — perfect for weight-conscious diets.
Garlic and chilies add antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gingelly oil helps in balancing body heat and supports heart health.

🧠 Expert Cooking Tips

Use gingelly oil for authentic South Indian flavor.
Do not overcook capsicum — it should retain slight crunch for best taste.
Always cool the mixture before grinding to prevent bitterness.
Add red capsicum for a milder, sweeter variation.
For thicker chutney, avoid adding too much water during grinding.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using raw capsicum directly without sautéing — it gives a grassy flavor.
Over-roasting garlic — can make the chutney taste bitter.
Adding too much tamarind — it can overpower the capsicum flavor.
Grinding while hot — causes discoloration and alters taste.

📦 Storage Instructions

Store the chutney in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.
Avoid adding water while storing to maintain its freshness and thick texture.
Stir gently before serving. For longer storage, skip the tempering and add it freshly when serving again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use red or yellow capsicum instead of green?

Yes, absolutely! Red or yellow bell peppers give a sweeter and milder chutney variation.

Can I skip tamarind?

Yes, tamarind is optional. You can replace it with a few drops of lemon juice for mild tanginess.

What can I serve this chutney with?

It pairs well with idli, dosa, rice, pongal, or even as a sandwich spread.

Can I use this chutney as a base for curry?

Yes, this chutney can double as a curry base — just sauté it with cooked dal or vegetables for a flavorful twist.

🎥 Watch Full Recipe Video

Watch the full step-by-step Capsicum Chutney Recipe video on Puviya Kitchen YouTube channel for visuals, tips, and perfect consistency!