Beetroot Raita

Beetroot is a very good source of antioxidants and nutrients which includes magnesium, sodium, potassium and vitamin C. It is also considered as good for  cardiovascular health.  I get fascinated by its vibrant colour, that leaves on my hands while chopping them.  Most often I imagine of dying my hair or clothes with its colour. J  Weird I must say!!

This is one veggie most of my family members hate especially my hubby for its sweetish flavour and strong colour!  But I try to keep a balance by adding all kinds of veggies into my family’s diet!  So, I had to come up with a dish using beetroot that my family eats without fussing about it!  As I was browsing through my recipe books from Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s collection, I came across this simple recipe and tried it one day!  From then onwards it has become a regular dish on the dining table! Finally, I am glad that my family is able to eat this nutritious veggie, (apart from my dear hubby! he still doesn’t like it L ). He has also branded me vegetarian because I eat all my veggies without any fuss!  I thank my mom’s gene for that because I am just like her! Never say no to anything edible!! J

Beetroot Raita

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Serves 3-4 people

Ingredients:

Beetroot 2 – peeled and grated

Mustered seeds – 1 tsp

Green/Red chilies – 2-3

Urad dal – 1 tsp

Curry leaves – I string

Oil – 1 tbsp

Yogurt/Curd 2 cup/ 250 ml

Salt to taste

Method:

1.      Peel and wash beetroots and grate them.

2.      In a pan/kadai, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once it crackles add curry leaves chilies and urad dal. Saute till urad dal turns to golden brown.

3.      Add the grated beetroot and salt; stir fry till the raw smell goes away. If you don’t like it raw cook it till done.

4.      Cool and add beaten yogurt.

5.      Serve with Rice, Pulao or Chapati/Roti.

I usually don’t overcook any veggies to keep nutrition level intact. Recently when I prepared this, there was some left over which I didn’t want to throw away and stored it the refrigerator.  Used it the next day by reheating it in microwave and added a little fresh yogurt and chopped onions!  It tasted better than the previous day according to my brother who is a picky/poor eater in his teens!!

Regards,

Leena JD

Points to Ponder:

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  

Genesis 1:29 ( NIV Bible)