Go Back
+ servings
Freshly made South Indian Capsicum Rice served in an oval platter.
Print

Easy Vegan Capsicum Rice

Vegan Capsicum Rice, also known as Bell Pepper Fried Rice, is a quick and flavorful Indian rice dish you can whip up in just 15 minutes! Made with colorful capsicum (bell peppers), cooked rice, and simple pantry spices, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you're using leftover rice or making it fresh, this easy recipe is a delicious way to enjoy bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Course entree, Main Course, rice, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 186.71kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat vegan ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then add curry leaves, ginger paste, and sliced garlic. Sauté for about 45 seconds until aromatic.
  • Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
  • Stir in sliced bell peppers and green peas. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender but still slightly crisp.
  • Add turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for 1 more minute to bring out the flavors.
  • Add cooked rice and gently mix to coat them evenly with the masala. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and turn off the heat. Add a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing, if desired.

Notes

For a slight crunch and added texture, sauté some peanuts, sesame seeds, or cashews along with the curry leaves in the tempering. Use a mix of colorful bell peppers—not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also makes the dish visually appealing. Since bell peppers are naturally sweet, don’t hold back on the spices. The heat helps balance the sweetness and brings depth to the dish. Avoid overcooking the capsicum. It should retain a slight crunch for the best texture and flavor. Want to make it Satvik or Jain-friendly? You can skip the onion and garlic entirely—the dish will still be flavorful with the other spices and herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 186.71kcal | Carbohydrates: 32.78g | Protein: 4.34g | Fat: 4.64g | Saturated Fat: 3.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.63g | Sodium: 8.94mg | Potassium: 260.82mg | Fiber: 3.83g | Sugar: 3.32g | Vitamin A: 1145.71IU | Vitamin C: 76.79mg | Calcium: 59.13mg | Iron: 2.36mg