Beetroot raita

 

A very simple raita and very colourful too. Mixing beetroot with curd is very eye-catching. I have a very vivid memory about the first time I saw this combo. I have a friend called Anitha. We studied together from 1st to 3rd std. Her grandma used to bring lunch box for her. We used to have lunch together. One day I noticed her eating beetroot poriyal with curd rice.  The curd rice turned into a beautiful pink colour and that scene is still in my mind. From that day onwards I started to love the combination of beetroot and curd rice. My mom taught me this dish very recently. As I love the curd and beetroot combo, I prepared this immeditaely. Definitely a tasty, healthy side-dish for pulaos. For young children this dish will be very attractive. You can scrap the beetroot, cook for 2 or 3 minutes and then mix with curd along with a few teaspoons of sugar. Sure they will ask for more :).

Beetroot has many health benefits. It is a rich source of betaine, a nutrient, which is important for cardiovascular health. Beetroot juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure thus reducing cardiovascular problems. So include lots of beetroot in your diet. Diabetic people should not include it often because of its high sugar content.

Ingredients :

Beetroot- 1 no 

Thick curd- a cup

Green chillies- 3 nos (finely minced)

Salt to taste

Method :

Cut the beetroot into bite sized pieces (depends on how you like, you can also scrap them). Then boil with 1/2 cup of water (you can also use it raw if you like). When all the water evaporates remove from fire and allow it to cool. When the beeroot cools down add them and minced green chillies to a cup of curd. Add enough salt and mix everything well. Beet root raita will be ready in a few minutes. Tastes very good with pulaos and very healthy too.

Taste enhancing tips for this recipe : Work out with your imagination. Add a teaspoon of chat masala or a 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. How about minced coriander leaves? Whatever you like :). If your child like it sweet you can add sugar instead of green chillies and salt. Happy cooking !!!

Priya I tried making tomato rose and that is how I ended up with :)