Green pepper refers to green examples of fruits of the species Capsicum annuum which is called bell pepper in North America and simply pepper in the United Kingdom. It is also called chili pepper. This fruit belongs to the nightshade family which also has potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant as members. Bells or green pepper are sweet and plump vegetables that feature either three or four lobes. Purple peppers have a slightly bitter flavor. Bell pepper is a larger, flesh mild green pepper which turns into red or gold when fully ripe. It is considered the most proper condiment for pickling.
Green peppers are used in almost every aspect of cooking there is. One of the more famous dishes that highlighted them in the past was stuffed bell peppers. The sharp pungent flavor mellows with meat, sauce, and rice. For pickled stuffed peppers, the bell peppers are gathered in large quantity, stem cut around, and deseeded. Also added are two quarts of chopped cabbage, a cupful of white mustard seed, three-spoonful of celery seed, two tablespoons of salt, and half a cup of grated horse-radish. Green peppers are botanical fruits but also culinary vegetables. They are commonly used in garden salads and as toppings on pizza or cheesecakes. They are 94% water, 5% carbohydrates, and a negligible fat and protein content. They are rich sources of vitamin C and vitamin B6 in moderate amounts. China is the world’s largest producer of bell peppers, followed by Mexico.
When green peppers are roasted, they can be used in many ways like; layered into sandwiches and quesadillas; tossed into pasta, bean, whole grain, and green salads. They can also be diced and made into relish; folded into cornbread; added to paella; pureed into soups, sauces, and spreads such as muhammara, harissa, romesco, and hummus. Some people say green bell pepper with four lobes is sweeter and best eaten raw. They equally contain more seeds, so are better for harvesting seeds to plant in a garden. Usually, the first bell peppers of summer are green, and there can be an overabundance of them in the garden before other colored peppers show up.
Beyond being a tasty addition to many dishes, green peppers are also low in calories, fat-free, and have a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Green bell peppers are rich in antioxidants and can help fight against a host of chronic illnesses including inflammation, heart problems, and cancer. They further find recipe applications as garden-fresh pasta sauce, crockpot chicken Philly cheesesteak, roasted potato frittata with onions and pepper; including pepperoni and green pepper pizza spaghetti squash.
Green peppers have a characteristically spicy and aromatic flavor and it is perfect for hot dishes such as stews, casseroles, and pasta sauces. Bell peppers generally have a wonderful combination of tangy taste and crunchy texture.
Green Pepper Nutrition Facts
Use in Different Types of Recipes
Green bell peppers are almost in most meals with their fresh and spicy flavor. Some of the meals include:
- Pepperoni and green pepper pizza spaghetti
- Stuffed bell peppers
- Cucumber salad
- Pepper-shrimp and noodle salad
- Sauteed green peppers
- Roasted bell pepper
- Rainbow vegetable sandwich
- Sheet pan veggie fajitas
Substitute for Green Pepper
Also called capsicums, green bell peppers are sweet and will make a statement in any recipe it is used. However, when not handy, the following can serve as substitutes:
Poblano Pepper
Poblanos have a richer, earthier flavor that is quite different than the bright grassiness of green peppers or even the sweetness of most of the colored varieties. It is a good substitute as it has a flavor profile that most people actually prefer. It also has a dash of heat.
Pepperoncini
This alternative for green pepper is mild, sweet, and tangy just like it. They are yellowish-green in color with wrinkled skin and bulbous shape.
Jalapeno
The jalapeno serves as a substitute for green pepper in your cooking as well especially if you are looking for something with a little more spice without the sweetness. It also comes with some chili heat.
Substitute for Green Pepper in Sloppy Joes
Ground beef, onion, green pepper, and ketchup are seasoned with garlic powder and sweetened with brown sugar to make this hearty meat filling. Also added are green peppers. But when this is not available, you can add poblano or cubanelles which will richly fill the spiciness just like green pepper would.
Substitute for Green Pepper in Chili
Poblano peppers are mostly considered the best alternative to green peppers. They resemble a large bell pepper in both aspect and taste, with minor changes. Poblanos have a rich and earthy flavor that makes them a perfect substitute for green bell peppers in chili.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Is there a substitute for green pepper?
Yes, there are a number of substitutes for green pepper. Poblano peppers, jalapeno, and pepperoncini are some of the substitutes for green pepper.
Is a red pepper the same as a green pepper?
Actually, red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers are all the same type of pepper but just at different stages of ripeness. Green peppers are unripe, red is fully ripe, with yellow and orange in between the two.
How do you get green peppers to turn red?
Simply leave your peppers on a sunny windowsill in a warm room for a few days. They will begin to turn color and ripen in the sun.
Conclusion
This is a wrap on the various substitutes for green pepper. I do hope you find one that works well for your recipes.