Skip this step if using garam masala or sambar powder or idli podi. Heat a pan and dry roast sesame seeds or peanuts. If roasting sesame seeds fry them until they begin to splutter. If using peanuts roast them until they turn golden. Remove to a plate.
Then dry roast the red chili, urad dal and chana dal until aromatic. Then add coconut, cumin and garlic. When they smell good remove and cool completely. Make a fine powder in a grinder.
Heat oil in a pan. When the oil turns hot, add mustard and cumin.
When they crackle add onions and fry until golden stirring often. Then add in cubed capsicum, chili powder, turmeric and salt. Fry for 2 to 3 mins.
Cover and cook until it is done to suit your liking. We like the bell peppers crunchy. Then add the spice powder or garam masala.
Saute until it begins to smell good.
Serve capsicum fry with rice-rasam, rice-sambar or chapati.