Asian recipe calls for capsicum peppers - which one?

[terlin]

I'm making Schezwan Veg Fried Rice and the recipe calls for capsicum peppers.

They're all capsicum peppers, so which do you recommend?

Know a great recipe for Schezwan Veg Fried Rice?

[audreyhtx1]

Same here. I think they mean sweet bell peppers - like green pepper. I've read plenty of British and Indian recipes.

[chefj]

+1 for Paulj
Usually in Asian (particularity Indian and Chinese) recipes or ones written for the British market Capsicum means sweet bell peppers not Chili peppers.

[paulj]

In British (and related British Asian) usage capsicum refers to bell peppers.

How are these peppers used in the recipe? That may give a clue as to whether they used as a vegetable (larger pieces), or source of heat (minced, or whole dried).

http://anjucuisine.blogspot.com/2008/...
the capisicum is cut in long strips and cooked with the carrots and green beans. Green chillies are used for heat. This is typical Indian usage.

[terlin]

Yes, now I think this is what they meant, bell pepper.

[ipsedixit]

I'd be very surprised that a Sichuan recipe would call for capsicum peppers to be used for anything else but heat.

[c oliver]

Me too.

[paulj]

Dunlop writes "Sweet peppers are also known in Chinese as lantern peppers... In Sichuanese cooking, they are often stir-fried with pork or beef, but they also feature in a number of cold banquet dishes ...' p 154.

Curiously the one thing I can't find in "Land of Plenty" is a recipe for fried rice. That makes me wonder the the OP's recipe was really from Sichuan. The recipes that I found on line that matched the OP's names were all from Indian sources.

[ipsedixit]

What makes you think that Fuchsia would be correct on this point?

[chefj]

In most Sichuan recipes hot peppers are referred to as either fresh or dried chilies and as stated above "Capsicum" means sweet bell peppers .
Sweet Peppers are used to add crunch and color to some dishes and are not that unusual. I am sure that you are aware that not all Sichuan dishes are picante,although the bell pepper is usually used in dishes that are pretty hot.

[C. Hamster]

I agree. Chillies vs. peppers

[ipsedixit]

Serrano, Thai, or Cayenne would all work.

[c oliver]

Do you think the recipe makes that distinction as opposed to Sichuan peppercorns (which I dearly love btw)? I used Serrano last night in pho cause the Latino market didn't have Thai (no surprise) and I didn't want to make another stop. Worked just fine.

[ipsedixit]

Yes.

Sichuan peppercorns are a whole different class of animals. It's a different type of heat sensation. More numbing than straight heat.

[terlin]

I used a Serrano and like it very much. However, I forget to wash my hands after cutting it and then touched my eye . . . Will have to remember to wash!