Preparation Instructions for Carrot and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
Are you looking for a simple, nutritious, and kid-friendly vegetable dish? Look no further than Carrot Capsicum Sabzi, a North Indian style recipe that is easy to prepare and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
This dish is a great choice for babies over 12 months of age, as starting to eat vegetables early has long-lasting health benefits for a baby's all-rounded development. Carrot Capsicum Sabzi is also suitable for lunch or dinner and can be served with chapatti, paratha, or any rice variety.
Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious and nutritious dish:
### Ingredients - 2 medium carrots, chopped or finely sliced - 1 medium capsicum (bell pepper), chopped - 1 small onion (optional), thinly sliced - 1-2 teaspoons oil or ghee (for sautéing) - 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon mild red chili powder or paprika (optional and adjust for kids) - Salt to taste (use very little for kids) - 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional) - 1 small garlic clove (optional), minced - Water as needed
### Cooking Time - **Preparation:** 5 minutes - **Cooking:** 10-12 minutes - **Total:** Approximately 15-17 minutes
### Instructions 1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium flame. Add cumin seeds, and when they start to splutter, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). 2. Add sliced onions if using, and sauté until translucent. 3. Add chopped carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. 4. Add chopped capsicum and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the capsicum to become tender but still slightly crisp. 5. Add turmeric powder and mild chili powder or paprika. Mix well and cook for 1 minute. 6. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to help cook the vegetables without drying out the pan; cover and cook on low flame for 3-4 minutes till vegetables are soft but not mushy. 7. Check seasoning and adjust salt if needed. 8. Serve the sabzi warm as a side dish with roti or rice.
This sabzi is mild, colorful, and healthy, making it great for kids. Carrots provide sweetness and vitamins, while capsicum adds crunch and vitamin C. The cooking is simple and quick, suitable for busy parents looking for nutritious meals.
If you want a more detailed masala flavor, you can dry roast coriander and coconut with some mild spices and add to the sabzi, but for kids, it's best to keep spices mild and simple.
When buying ingredients, opt for fresh, firm, bright orange, and smooth carrots and capsicum from a local farmer market or organically grown produce. A reputed brand should be chosen for buying edible oil, and the spice powder packets used in the recipe should be checked for their expiry date.
Carrot Capsicum Sabzi is a good source of beta-carotene, potassium, dietary fiber, folate, Vitamins A, C, E, and Vitamin B6. This dish fights bacterial infection and strengthens the immune system in kids, and it is rich in Vitamin K1, which improves bone health for children. Enjoy this nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish with your little ones!
This nutritious Carrot Capsicum Sabzi is perfect for parents seeking kid-friendly, vegetable dishes that promote health-and-wellness. With recipes like this, one can introduce essential vitamins and minerals to their child's diet, contributing to a better lifestyle and long-term health benefits. This dish, suitable for lunch or dinner, can be paired with food-and-drink options such as chapatti, rice varieties, or even recipes that align with the health-and-wellness lifestyle.
