Green Long Chilli Overview
Green long chillies, often referred to as green chilies, are a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Indian cooking. These slender, vibrant green peppers are known for their spicy flavor and are used to add heat and depth to various dishes. They are versatile, fresh, and can be used in a variety of ways, from raw in salads to cooked in curries and sauces.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamins: Green long chillies are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
- Metabolism Booster: The capsaicin found in chillies can boost metabolism and may help in weight loss by promoting fat oxidation.
- Digestive Health: Green chillies can stimulate digestive juices, which can aid in digestion and improve gut health.
- Antioxidant Properties: They contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Pain Relief: Capsaicin is known for its analgesic properties, which can help alleviate pain when applied topically.
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Protein: 1.9g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Vitamin C: 143% of RDI
- Vitamin A: 27% of RDI
- Iron: 6% of RDI
How to Eat
Green long chillies can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Raw: Sliced into salads or used as a garnish.
- Cooked: Stir-fried, added to curries, pickles, or sauces.
- Stuffed: Filled with spices or cheese and baked or fried.
Indian Recipes
1. Stuffed Green Chillies
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 10
- Paneer: 200g, grated
- Cumin powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
- Slit the green chillies lengthwise and remove seeds.
- In a bowl, mix grated paneer, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Stuff the chillies with the paneer mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan; fry the stuffed chillies until golden brown.
- Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.
2. Green Chilli Pickle
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 250g, chopped
- Mustard seeds: 2 tbsp
- Fenugreek seeds: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 3 tbsp
- Oil: 100ml
Instructions:
- In a dry pan, roast mustard and fenugreek seeds; grind to a coarse powder.
- In a bowl, mix chopped chillies, ground spices, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice.
- Heat oil; let it cool slightly, then pour over the mixture.
- Mix well and store in a jar. Let it sit for a few days before using.
3. Green Chilli Curry
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 10, slit
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add slit green chillies and water; simmer until the chillies are cooked.
- Serve hot with rice or roti.
4. Green Chilli Masala
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 5, chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add chopped green chillies and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Green Chilli Raita
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 2, finely chopped
- Yogurt: 1 cup
- Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Coriander leaves: for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Stir in finely chopped green chillies, cumin powder, and salt.
- Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve chilled as a side dish.
Non-Indian Recipes
1. Spicy Green Chilli Salsa
Ingredients:
- Green long chillies: 3, roasted and chopped
- Tomato: 1, diced
- Onion: 1/2, diced
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine roasted green chillies, diced tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Mix well and serve with tortilla chips or as a condiment.
2. Green Chilli and Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- Tortillas: 4
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): 1 cup, shredded
- Green long chillies: 2, sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan; place a tortilla in the pan.
- Sprinkle cheese and sliced green chillies on one half; fold the tortilla over.
- Cook until golden and cheese is melted; flip and cook the other side.
- Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.
3. Stuffed Green Chilli Frittata
Ingredients:
- Eggs: 4
- Green long chillies: 2, chopped
- Bell pepper: 1, diced
- Onion: 1, diced
- Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil; sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add chopped green chillies; stir for a minute.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables.
- Cook on the stove for a few minutes, then transfer to the oven and bake until set. Slice and serve.
4. Green Chilli Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 200g (any type)
- Green long chillies: 2, chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Parmesan cheese: for serving
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped green chillies and cherry tomatoes; cook until soft.
- Mix in the cooked pasta; season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan.
5. Green Chilli Corn Soup
Ingredients:
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Green long chillies: 1, finely chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Cream: 1/4 cup (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat olive oil; sauté onions until soft.
- Add chopped green chillies and corn; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth; return to heat, stir in cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Green long chillies are a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!