By Kaushik Brahmakshatriya

Published On 23 June 2026.

Shimla Mirch Sabji Recipe

Shimla Mirch Sabji is one of those humble, everyday Indian dishes that never fails to satisfy. Made with fresh capsicum (bell peppers) and a handful of aromatic spices, this simple stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you pair it with hot rotis or steamed rice, this dish brings comfort to any Indian kitchen table.

What Is Shimla Mirch Sabji?

Shimla Mirch, literally meaning “capsicum from Shimla,” is the Hindi name for bell pepper. In Indian cooking, it is cooked as a dry stir-fry or semi-gravy curry depending on the region. The Gujarati-style version is lightly spiced with mustard seeds, turmeric, and coriander powder, while the North Indian version often uses onion-tomato masala as a base. Both are equally delicious and incredibly easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients for Shimla Mirch Sabji

Ingredient	Quantity
Green Capsicum (Shimla Mirch)	3 medium, diced
Onion	1 large, sliced
Tomato	1 medium, chopped
Mustard Seeds	½ tsp
Cumin Seeds	½ tsp
Turmeric Powder	¼ tsp
Red Chilli Powder	1 tsp
Coriander Powder	1 tsp
Garam Masala	½ tsp
Salt	To taste
Oil	2 tbsp
Fresh Coriander Leaves	For garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 – Prep the Vegetables

Wash and dice the capsicum into medium-sized cubes. Slice the onion thinly and chop the tomato. Keep everything ready before you heat the pan.

Step 2 – Tempering

Heat oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

Step 3 – Cook the Onions

Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn light golden. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat.

Step 4 – Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add the chopped tomatoes along with turmeric, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Mix everything well and cook until the tomatoes soften completely and the oil separates from the masala.

Step 5 – Add Capsicum

Now add the diced capsicum and mix well with the masala base. Cover the pan and cook on low-medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6 – Final Seasoning

Once the capsicum is cooked but still has a slight crunch, add salt and garam masala. Stir well and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 7 – Garnish and Serve

Turn off the flame and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Nutrition Comparison: Capsicum Colors

Capsicum Type	Vitamin C Content	Calories (per 100g)	Best Use
Green Capsicum	Moderate	20 kcal	Stir-fry, sabji
Red Capsicum	Very High	31 kcal	Salads, curries
Yellow Capsicum	High	27 kcal	Stuffed dishes

Serving Suggestions

• Shimla Mirch Sabji pairs beautifully with:

• Freshly made phulka or chapati

• Plain paratha or missi roti

• Steamed basmati rice with dal

• As a side dish in a full Indian thali

Related Recipes You May Also Like

Aloo Shimla Mirch Sabji – Potatoes and capsicum cooked together in a dry masala makes this a heartier version great for lunchboxes.

Paneer Shimla Mirch Sabji – Adding cubed paneer to this recipe transforms it into a protein-rich main course perfect for dinner.

Besan Shimla Mirch Sabji – A Rajasthani-inspired version where gram flour (besan) is added for a nutty, thicker coating over the capsicum.

Q&A Section – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use red or yellow capsicum instead of green?

Yes, absolutely. Red and yellow capsicum are sweeter than green and work wonderfully in this recipe. You can also use a mix of all three colors for a more colorful and nutritious dish.

Q2. How do I keep the capsicum crunchy in the sabji?

Avoid overcooking the capsicum. Add it after the masala is fully cooked, and cook on medium heat with the lid on for just 8 to 10 minutes. Keeping a slight crunch adds a better texture to the dish.

Q3. Is Shimla Mirch Sabji healthy?

Yes, capsicum is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and high in fiber. When cooked with minimal oil and fresh spices, Shimla Mirch Sabji is a very healthy addition to your daily meals.

Q4. Can I make this recipe without onion and garlic?

Yes. Simply skip the onion and start with the tempering of mustard and cumin seeds. Add tomatoes directly and proceed with the recipe. It tastes equally good without onion and garlic.

This Shimla Mirch Sabji recipe brings the goodness of fresh capsicum and Indian spices together in one simple, satisfying dish.