Simple Beetroot Curry - A Vegan preparation

I used to hate the beetroot curry in childhood. But as I grew up I discovered many health benefits of beetroot. It is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid). It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin). More recent health claims suggest beetroot can help lower blood pressure, boost exercise performance and prevent dementia. Hence I was determined to introduce this in our family diet. Me and my south Indian neighbor use to feed our little daughters together every afternoon. I started discussing the ways they cook beetroot curry. This resulted in a recipe which is not fully South Indian nor it is Bengali styled.

Preparation Time: - 15 min

Cooking Time: - 25 min

Servings: - 3~4 persons

Ingredients:- 

1. 2 large beetroot
2. 1 large Onion chopped
3. 8~10 curry leaves
4. 1 tbsp Moong Dal (lentil)
5. 1 tbsp Urad Dal (lentil)
6. 2 Green Chili
7. Pinch of asafetida (Hing)
8. 1 tsp Mustard seeds
9. 1 tsp Cumin seeds
10. 1 tsp turmeric powder
11. 2 tsp Coriander powder
12. 2 tsp Jeera / Cumin powder
13. 2 tsp Garam masala
14. Salt (as per taste)
15. 6 tbsp Vegetable oil

Preparation:-

1. Wash and peel beetroot, cut them into cubes.
2. Finely chop the onions and soak the lentils (Moong and Urad) for 10 min. If you want the preparation to be crispy then do not soak.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan / kadai in high heat.
4. When oil starts smoking turn the burner to medium setting add cumin, mustard seeds and green chili. You can add red chilli if you want it more spicy.
   
5. When they splutter then add the curry leaves and hing.
6. Few seconds later add the chopped onions.
7. Fry till the onions turn golden brown.
   
8. Add beetroot pieces with salt and turmeric powder.
9. Sauté for couple of minutes
   
10. Spring coriander powder and cumin powder.
11. Add the lentils now. Stir and mix.
    
12. Continue cooking for a minute and add 1 cup of water.
13. Cover and cook till beetroots are boiled properly.
14. Sprinkle Garam Masala and mix for a few seconds.
15. Now your simple beetroot curry is ready to consume.
    

Serve this side dish hot with a plate of plain rice and dal or roti / chapatti.

As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears.