I cant believe its Beetroot

Now Beetroot is simply impossible to disguise in form and color but for those looking to mask its flavor, there’s good news. Yes, it can be done. The primary question here is who would want to do that? Obviously people like me who find it hard to enjoy the beetroot in its original taste but find it even harder to ignore the blood purifying qualities of this bright colored vegetable.

When experimenting with a new ingredient, my motto is stick to your comfort zone. This recipe of Beetroot curry is a simple dish with a slight twist and if you had a bite with your eyes closed, you would remark “I can’t believe its Beetroot”.

Ingredients

Beetroots – 2 medium

Finely chopped red onion – 1 small

Green chilies – 4 medium

Chickpea flour (besan) – 2 tsp

Yogurt – half a cup

Water – 4 cups or as needed

Cumin powder – 1 tsp

Bay leaf – 1 small

Oil – 1 tsp

Salt and pepper

Cook whole beetroots in a vessel full of water for about 15 minutes. Let them cool, peel off the skin and chop in medium sized pieces. Keep aside. In a small bowl, mix yogurt and chickpea flour, keep aside as well.  In a pan, heat oil and add bay leaf, chopped onion and green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are done. Add the beetroot pieces, cumin powder, salt and pepper, mix well. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the yogurt and chickpea flour paste and water. Mix well and cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring in between. At this point the curry is done; you may cook for a little while more if you need a thicker version. Serve hot and immediately.

After a successful experiment with this one, I am ready to step out of my comfort zone, more Beetroot recipes coming soon….

Serving suggestions

*With Rice/paratha

Tips

*Boiling the Beetroot makes it easier to peel the skin off, you can skip that step

  and increase the cooking time of the raw beetroot pieces.

Interesting fact

·         There is a yellow colored variety of Beetroot too.

·         Beetroot is used as a dye for adding flavor and coloring food items such as tomato paste, jams and jellies and desserts.

·         Beetroot is well known for its blood purifying properties

·         Those with a history of kidney stones should avoid consuming beets in high quantities.