Masala Peppers
Source: Adapted from Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji’s Heartland Masala
Recipe Type: Appetizers and Sides | Seasons: Autumn, Summer
This recipe appears in Heartland Masala by Jyoti Mukharji and Auyon Mukharji and was demonstrated in the Foodwise Classroom on September 20, 2025.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1⁄3 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 large russet potato, cubed into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon amchoor (ground dried mango)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)
1 pound assorted peppers, sliced
PREPARATION
- Heat the oil in a large, lidded (but uncovered for now), nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer, add the cumin seeds and sizzle, giving the pan a shake or two, until they darken a couple of shades and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the potato and cook, stirring frequently, until the potato is lightly fried all over and starting to brown on all edges, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the coriander, amchoor, ground cumin, salt, and cayenne (if using). Try to sprinkle the spices evenly over the whole pan to avoid clumping. Stir well to combine, and then immediately add the peppers. (The ground spices should cook in the hot oil for a second or two before the peppers join the pan, but they will scorch if you wait too long, so move quickly.)
- Stir thoroughly again. Increase the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring every few minutes to make sure every vegetable piece is eventually coated with ground spices. Keep the pan tightly covered between stirrings to preserve the steam. The dish is done when the potato pieces are totally soft but still keep their shape, 10 to 15 minutes (if the potato takes a bit longer than that to soften, reduce the heat to low and stir often for any additional time to ensure the spices don’t burn). The peppers should be cooked through, but can have a bit of bite, and the spices should darken a few shades but not blacken.
- Taste for salt and serve hot
