10 Ways Beetroot Is Eaten Across India

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With its bright color and rich flavor, beetroot is a versatile vegetable in many Indian recipes.

Beetroot is popular in many regional dishes and offers many health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

This blog post highlights ten unique and tasty ways beetroot is used in Indian cuisine, showcasing regional dishes’ rich diversity and creativity.

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1. Beetroot Thoran (Kerala)

In Kerala, beetroot is commonly made into a dish called Beetroot Thoran. This dry stir-fry features finely chopped or grated beetroot cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and grated coconut. The result is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors, usually enjoyed with rice and curry.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, grated

• Grated coconut

• Mustard seeds

• Curry leaves

• Green chilies

• Turmeric powder

• Salt

• Coconut oil

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2. Beetroot Halwa (North India)

Beetroot halwa is a beloved dessert in North India. It is prepared by cooking grated beetroot with milk, sugar, and ghee. The grated beetroot is simmered in milk until it becomes tender and thick. Sugar and ghee are added to enrich the flavor, and the dish is topped with cardamom and nuts for a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, grated

• Milk

• Sugar

• Ghee

• Cardamom powder

• Nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

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3. Beetroot Poriyal (Tamil Nadu)

Beetroot Poriyal is a stir-fry dish from Tamil Nadu, similar to thoran. This dish’s diced beetroot is cooked with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It’s a common part of Tamil Nadu meals and is often served with sambar and rice.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, diced

• Grated coconut

• Mustard seeds

• Urad dal

• Curry leaves

• Green chilies

• Salt

• Oil

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4. Beetroot Raita (North India)

Beetroot Raita is a popular yogurt-based dish in North Indian cuisine. It features grated or finely chopped beetroot mixed with yogurt and seasoned with cumin powder, salt, and sometimes a touch of green chili. This vibrant raita is a refreshing, cooling side dish that perfectly complements spicy Indian meals.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, grated or finely chopped

• Yogurt

• Cumin powder

• Green chilies (optional)

• Salt

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

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5. Beetroot Paratha (Punjab)

Beetroot Paratha is a healthy and colorful flatbread from Punjab. Grated beetroot is mixed into whole wheat dough with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. These parathas make a great breakfast or lunch and are usually enjoyed with yogurt or pickles.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat flour

• Beetroot, grated

• Cumin powder

• Coriander powder

• Garam masala

• Salt

• Oil or ghee

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6. Beetroot Tikki (Street Food)

Beetroot Tikki is a popular street food snack in India. It consists of mashed potatoes, spices, and sometimes peas, shaped into patties and shallow-fried until crispy. The patties are served with chutneys and are a tasty, healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, boiled and mashed

• Potatoes, boiled and mashed

• Green peas (optional)

• Spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala)

• Salt

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7. Beetroot Pachadi (Andhra Pradesh)

Beetroot Pachadi is a tangy and spicy chutney from Andhra Pradesh. It’s made by cooking beetroot with tamarind, red chilies, and spices, then grinding it into a coarse paste. This chutney is a great side dish for rice and dosa, adding a flavorful kick to the meal.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, chopped

• Tamarind pulp

• Red chilies

• Mustard seeds

• Curry leaves

• Oil

• Salt

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8. Beetroot Pulao (Hyderabad)

Beetroot Pulao is a tasty rice dish from Hyderabad. It’s made by cooking basmati rice with grated beetroot, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This colorful and aromatic pulao is usually garnished with fresh coriander and served with raita.

Ingredients:

• Basmati rice

• Beetroot, grated

• Onions, sliced

• Garlic and ginger, minced

• Spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom)

• Salt

• Fresh coriander for garnish

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9. Beetroot Salad (Bengal)

In Bengal, Beetroot Salad is a delightful and straightforward dish. Boiled beetroot is diced and combined with cucumber, tomatoes, onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves. It’s seasoned with salt, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chaat masala for added flavor. This salad is refreshing and ideal for a light and enjoyable meal.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot, boiled and diced

• Cucumber, diced

• Tomatoes, diced

• Onions, finely chopped

• Green chilies, chopped

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10. Beetroot Juice (All Over India)

Beetroot Juice is a well-loved health drink in India. Fresh beetroot is blended with carrots, apples, ginger, and a splash of lemon. This nutrient-rich juice is packed with antioxidants, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients:

• Beetroot

• Carrots

• Apples

• Ginger

• Lemon juice

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Conclusion

Beetroot is a versatile and nutritious vegetable used in many dishes across different Indian cuisines. It adds a unique flavor and vibrant color to meals, from savory stir-fries and wholesome parathas to refreshing raitas and tangy chutneys. Whether you want to add more vegetables to your diet or try something new, these ten beetroot recipes offer a tasty journey through India’s diverse culinary traditions.

By including these beetroot dishes in your meals, you can enjoy the health benefits of this superfood while savoring the rich and varied flavors of Indian cuisine. So, experiment with these recipes and add a touch of beetroot magic to your cooking!

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FAQs

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By adding these beetroot dishes to your diet, you can enjoy the health benefits of this nutritious vegetable while savoring the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. Try these recipes and bring a bit of beetroot magic to your meals!

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