With Snowmageddon bearing down upon D.C., I blended up a tub of my brown rice dosa batter today. Here's my reasoning: if we are to lose power during the storm, which we almost always seem to, I will at least be able to make us some hot, healthy, nourishing dosas on the gas stove. Besides, since my pantry is almost as cold as a refrigerator in winter (thanks for once, old, poorly insulated house of mine), and dosa batter is fine -- even better-- with some fermentation, I figure I could always leave the batter in the pantry for a day or two, if the power and the refrigerator decide to turn off.
I wanted to make a really delicious and nutritious chutney to go with the dosas, and because I am on a roasted red pepper binge lately, I tried out a Roasted Red Pepper Chutney.
I must confess I am not color-blind when it comes to my bell peppers. I love the green ones with a passion because they add wonderful flavor to spicy Indian curries. I can take the yellow and orange ones or leave them alone. And I've always been a bit unfriendly toward the reds: I know they are the healthiest of all with their superdose of Vitamin A, but I also find their sweetness can throw some savory Indian dishes off balance.
But I do make an exception for roasted red peppers: in fact, they morph into the best-tasting bell pepper when roasted (forgive me, green). And they are particularly valuable in low-fat vegan cuisine because they add a rich, deep, smoky flavor to foods that's almost indescribably delicious.
They work their magic in this rather brilliant red chutney, while retaining a marvelous, sweet freshness. And did I say how easy this recipe is: there are but a few ingredients here, and they most likely are in your pantry. Peanuts to add that full-bodied flavor, tomatoes for the pleasant tang, onions for sweetness, and cayenne and curry powder for spice and even more gorgeous color.
I am kinda looking forward to the storm now. It's going to be just lovely to watch the snowflakes fall and gather in a deep pile at the front door while we tuck into lacy, crispy discs of dosa dipped in this gorgeous Roasted Red Pepper Chutney.
Bring it on, nature.
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Roasted Red Pepper Chutney
Ingredients
- 2 roasted red bell peppers (you can use the jarred ones or if roasting your own, roast over an open flame, turning on all sides, until the skin is all charred and blackened. Let the pepper cool before rubbing off the charred skin.)
- ½ cup peanuts
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 small tomato minced
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Roast the peanuts in a small saucepan for 2-3 minutes or until the skins are slightly darker. Set aside.
- In the saucepan, add the oil, heat, and then add the onions with a pinch of salt.
- Cook until the onions are softened, about five minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, sugar, curry powder, paprika and cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes have reduced and are darker and most of the liquid is gone.
- Place the peanuts and red peppers with the tomatoes and onions in a food processor. Blend. I like my chutney quite smooth, but leave it a little coarse if you'd like texture.
- Serve with dosa or use as a dip. Perfect either way.
Sue
Does this recipe keep- say for 6 months? Do you have any chutney recipies that do?
Vaishali
You could freeze the chutney.
David
Sounds yummy! Curious if you rub the skins off the peanuts after roasting them - most food processors (I happen to have a great one, though, that would probably purée it all) tend to leave ugly flakes, not sure if the bitterness would add to or detract from the overall harmony, nor if peanut skin is of much value in terms of dietary fibres?
Tazz
Made this with extra peanuts, a squirt of lemon, white and black pepper. Delish!
Vaishali
Tazz, glad you loved it!
Marc
Vaishali I love your recipes. If you ever decide to turn them into a book I would absolutely buy some. The proceeds could be used to help animals (human or not).
Vaishali
Thanks, Marc, you are so kind! I wish I had the time, I would love to turn these into a book that would benefit animals.
Hannah
What a gorgeous chutney! I have family in DC, and his pictures are absolutely nuts. As a native Texan he's enjoying it though. Stay warm!
Vaishali
Thanks, Hannah! We got more than two feet-- quite crazy! 🙂
Krithika
I read through the recipe, but couldn't find where the peppers are added in? Also, is there a way for me to roast the peppers in the oven? I have an electric stove (which is fun when I lose power), so I can't go down the open flame route.
Vaishali
Hi Krithika, they're added to the blender with the onions and tomatoes. Thanks for pointing out the oversight. And to roast the bell peppers in the oven, preheat to 450 degrees, lightly oil or spray the peppers, and place them on a baking sheet. Let the peppers roast, turning around occasionally with tongs to make sure all sides are evenly charred, about 30 minutes.
Janene Martin
Could you please advise if this can be bottled as a chutney/relish, and if so for how long?
pam coles
Yes I divide each capsicum into 4 pieces and place under the griller works well simple