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Beetroot is eaten in many delightful ways across India, thanks to its vibrant colour and bold flavour. It is a versatile ingredient featured in various Indian dishes, adding both taste and nutrition to meals. From savoury stir-fries and wholesome parathas to refreshing raitas and tangy chutneys, beetroot is celebrated in diverse culinary traditions throughout the country.
Beloved across different regions of India, beetroot is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In this blog post, we explore ten distinct and flavorful ways beetroot is used in Indian cooking, highlighting the rich diversity and creativity of regional cuisines.
1. Beetroot Thoran (Kerala)
In Kerala, beetroot is often transformed into a dish known as Beetroot Thoran. This dry stir-fry combines finely chopped or grated beetroot with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and grated coconut. The outcome is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavours, typically served alongside rice and curry.
Ingredients:
- Grated beetroot
- Grated coconut
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Green chillies
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Coconut oil
2. Beetroot Halwa (North India)
Beetroot Halwa is a cherished dessert in North India, known for its rich and indulgent taste. To prepare this dish, grated beetroot is simmered in milk until it softens and thickens. Sugar and ghee are then added to enhance the flavour, while a touch of cardamom and a sprinkle of nuts complete this delightful sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, grated
- Milk
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Cardamom powder
- Nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
3. Beetroot Poriyal (Tamil Nadu)
Beetroot Poriyal is a flavorful stir-fry from Tamil Nadu, similar to thoran. In this dish, diced beetroot is cooked with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and grated coconut, creating a delicious blend of textures and flavours. A staple in Tamil Nadu meals, it is typically served alongside sambar and rice.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, diced
- Grated coconut
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Curry leaves
- Green chillies
- Salt
- Oil
4. Beetroot Raita (North India)
Beetroot Raita is a refreshing yoghurt-based dish widely enjoyed in North Indian cuisine. It combines grated or finely chopped beetroot with yoghurt, seasoned with cumin powder, salt, and occasionally a hint of green chilli. This vibrant raita offers a cool, soothing contrast, making it the perfect accompaniment to spicy Indian meals.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, grated or finely chopped
- Yoghurt
- Cumin powder
- Green chillies (optional)
- Salt
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
5. Beetroot Paratha (Punjab)
Beetroot Paratha is a nutritious and vibrant flatbread from Punjab. Grated beetroot is blended into whole wheat dough, enhanced with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. These parathas are a perfect choice for breakfast or lunch and are typically served with yoghurt or pickles for added flavour.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Beetroot, grated
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
- Salt
- Oil or ghee
6. Beetroot Tikki (Street Food)
Beetroot Tikki is a popular street food snack in India. Made with mashed potatoes, spices, and occasionally peas, the mixture is shaped into patties and shallow-fried until crispy. These golden, flavorful patties are often served with chutneys, making them a delightful and healthy snack option.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, boiled and mashed
- Potatoes, boiled and mashed
- Green peas (optional)
- Spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala)
- Salt
7. Beetroot Pachadi (Andhra Pradesh)
Beetroot Pachadi is a tangy and spicy chutney hailing from Andhra Pradesh. It’s prepared by cooking beetroot with tamarind, red chillies, and a blend of spices, then grinding it into a coarse paste. This chutney serves as an excellent accompaniment to rice and dosa, adding a bold and flavorful kick to the meal.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, chopped
- Tamarind pulp
- Red chillies
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Oil
- Salt
8. Beetroot Pulao (Hyderabad)
Beetroot Pulao is a flavorful rice dish from Hyderabad. It’s prepared by cooking basmati rice with grated beetroot, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This vibrant and aromatic pulao is often garnished with fresh coriander and served alongside raita, making it a delightful and well-balanced meal.
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice
- Beetroot, grated
- Onions, sliced
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom)
- Salt
- Fresh coriander for garnish
9. Beetroot Salad (Bengal)
In Bengal, Beetroot Salad is a simple yet delightful dish. Boiled beetroot is diced and mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, onions, green chillies, and fresh coriander leaves. The salad is seasoned with salt, lemon juice, and a dash of chaat masala to enhance the flavour. This refreshing salad makes for a perfect light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot, boiled and diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Tomatoes, diced
- Onions, finely chopped
- Green chillies, chopped
10. Beetroot Juice (All Over India)
Beetroot Juice is a popular and nutritious health drink in India. Fresh beetroot is blended with carrots, apples, ginger, and a hint of lemon. This antioxidant-rich juice is a favourite among those looking to boost their health and energy levels.
Ingredients:
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- Apples
- Ginger
- Lemon juice
Conclusion
Beetroot is a versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable featured in a variety of dishes across Indian cuisines. It brings a distinctive flavour and vibrant colour to a wide range of meals, from savoury stir-fries and hearty parathas to cooling raitas and zesty chutneys. Whether you’re looking to enhance your diet with more vegetables or explore new flavours, these ten beetroot recipes offer a delicious exploration of India’s rich culinary diversity.
Incorporating these beetroot dishes into your meals allows you to enjoy the health benefits of this superfood while savouring the bold and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. So, why not try out these recipes and add a touch of beetroot brilliance to your cooking?
Incorporating these beetroot dishes into your meals allows you to reap the health benefits of this nutrient-rich vegetable while indulging in the diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. Give these recipes a try and infuse a little beetroot magic into your cooking!
