Egyptian Fresh Capsicum

Types of Capsicum Cultivated in Egypt

1. Green Bell Pepper: Green bell peppers are the most commonly cultivated variety in Egypt. They have a crisp texture, mild flavor, and a green color. Green bell peppers are often used in salads, stir-fries, stuffed dishes, and as a colorful addition to various recipes.
2. Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are a ripe version of green bell peppers. They have a sweeter taste and a vibrant red color. Red bell peppers are widely used in cooking, grilling, roasting, and as a flavorful ingredient in sauces and salsas.
3. Yellow Bell Pepper: Yellow bell peppers are another popular variety cultivated in Egypt. They have a bright yellow color and a sweet flavor. Yellow bell peppers are used in various dishes, including salads, stir-fries, and roasted vegetable medleys, to add a vibrant color and sweetness.
4. Orange Bell Pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweet flavor to yellow bell peppers but with a distinct orange color. They are commonly used in both raw and cooked preparations, adding color and flavor to dishes such as salads, soups, and grilled vegetable platters.
5. Purple Bell Pepper: Purple bell peppers are a less common but visually striking variety cultivated in Egypt. They have a deep purple color and a mild flavor. Purple bell peppers are often used for their aesthetic appeal in salads, garnishes, and stuffed pepper recipes.

Popular recipes of Egyptian fresh capsicum (bell pepper)

Stuffed Bell Peppers:

• Cut the top off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes.
• In a skillet, cook a mixture of ground beef or turkey, diced onion, garlic, and cooked rice.
• Stir in tomato sauce, herbs, and seasonings of your choice.
• Fill the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
• Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Fajitas:

• Slice bell peppers into thin strips along with onions and your choice of protein (e.g., chicken, beef, or shrimp).
• Sauté the peppers, onions, and protein in a skillet with fajita seasoning, garlic, and olive oil.
• Serve the fajita mixture in tortillas and top with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus:

• Roast red bell peppers until the skin is charred, then remove the skin and seeds.
• In a food processor, blend the roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings until smooth.
• Serve the roasted red pepper hummus with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches.
• Caprese Salad:
• Slice fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and bell peppers into rounds or strips.
• Layer the tomato, mozzarella, and bell pepper on a plate.
• Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper.

Stir-Fry:

• Cut bell peppers into thin strips and prepare other desired vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
• Heat a wok or large skillet with oil and stir-fry the vegetables until crisp-tender.
• Add your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, along with a sauce of your choice (e.g., soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet and sour sauce).
• Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles.

Feel free to adjust these recipes to your liking and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Enjoy cooking with fresh capsicum!