Mytilene's cuisine is known for its unique local flavor and traditional spices. If you enjoy a spicy and piquant addition to your meals, this homemade green pepper marinade in Mytilene style is perfect. Its preparation is very simple and takes little time. Thanks to the correct combination of mustard oil, sesame seeds, and acidity, this marinade can double the flavor of even the most ordinary food. Most importantly, if the preparation technology is followed, this marinade can be stored for months without spoiling.
The following ingredients are needed for preparation: 250 grams of green peppers (thick or medium-hot), 3 tablespoons of yellow or black mustard seed (finely ground), 2 tablespoons of cardamom (finely ground), 1.5 tablespoons of amchur powder (or lemon juice), 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 0.5 teaspoon of kalanjai (mangarel), 0.25 teaspoon of asafoetida, and 0.5 cup of mustard oil, as well as 2 tablespoons of salt (to taste).
The cooking process begins with thoroughly washing the green peppers under water and drying them on a cotton cloth so that no moisture remains on them. Then, the stems are removed, and the peppers are either cut lengthwise or chopped into small pieces.
Place the chopped green peppers in a large bowl. Add the mustard seeds, cardamom, turmeric, amchur powder, cumin, kalanjai, asafoetida, and salt. In a separate pan, heat the mustard oil until it smokes, then turn off the heat and let the oil cool slightly to a warm state.
Pour the warm oil into the bowl with the peppers and spices, mixing thoroughly with a spoon so that the spices evenly coat every pepper. Allow the marinade to cool completely, and then transfer it to a dry and clean glass jar. Although it can be eaten immediately, the flavor improves if left in the sun for one or two days.


