Ever since I have watched The Office, I have also started viewing beetroot in a whole new light. Not that I wasn’t aware of the vegetable’s versatility before, but “beet wine?” is surely something to ponder upon, right? In India, beetroot is mostly seen around in winter times. This deep red vegetable that we commonly use in our desi preps like chaat, raita and halwa, is the taproot portion of the beet plant. Besides the earthy taste, beetroot is also renowned for the colour it imparts to the dishes, almost like a natural dye. Add them to puris and they turn hot pink, throw them in kheer and you have kids in your family queuing up for the second helping. Even if you do not want to invest your time in anything elaborate, you can simply grate beetroot, add a dash of lemon juice and chaat masala and fix yourself a quick salad that can also be enjoyed as a side dish to your dal chawal.
Beetroot is one of the healthiest vegetables you can include in your winter diet. It is replete with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties that act as a protective shield against a host of seasonal infections. It can do wonders for your eyes and heart as well. Beetroot has a good amount of folate that prevents blood vessel damage, and potassium helps stabilise blood pressure. Now you know why your grandmother wouldn’t stop feeding you this deep vegetable?
Now the flavour profile of beetroot is not as sweet as carrots and guavas or strong as radish, it is somewhere in between, and it may take a while for some to take a liking towards this veggie, but once you do start enjoying beetroot, there is just no looking back. To make it easier for such people, and for people who are already big fans, here are some of our favourite beetroot recipes you should definitely try this winter.
1. Beetroot Rasam
This hot and tangy soup comes in a shocking pink colour. Ideal for your foggy evening cravings, this South Indian treat may not make sense in theory but in a bowl, it is sheer magic.
2. Beetroot Rice
Why make it, white and bland and basic when you can make it bright pink and flavourful. A crowd favourite, beetroot rice goes well with any hot, spicy and tangy curry.
3. Beetroot Halwa
Move over Gajar ka halwa, and make way for another, equally sensational winter halwa that has indulgence written all over it. Shredded beetroot cooked with milk, cashews, cardamom, and oodles of ghee, how could we refuse a bite of thee?
4. Beetroot Hummus
The Mediterranean dip made with chickpeas got a beet upgrade. This thick and luscious dip gets a sweet earthiness that just makes it a whole lot irresistible.
5. Beetroot Thoran
A simple south Indian stir-fry made with beetroot, coconut, green chillies, mustard and more. A scintillating side dish that will amp your banal meals.
