Beetroot curry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the earthy sweetness of beets combined with the rich spices of Indian cooking. This vegetable curry is a staple in many Indian households and comes in various regional variations, each adding a unique twist to the humble beetroot.
Whether you want to enjoy it as a comforting weekday meal or impress guests with a colorful and nutritious side dish, this beetroot curry recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Beetroot curry is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Known for its high fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant content, beetroot makes this curry a wholesome choice.
In this blog post, we will explore a classic Indian beetroot curry recipe along with a few exciting variations to keep your meals interesting. Let’s dive into the aromatic world of Indian spices and learn how to make this sumptuous vegetable curry step-by-step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beetroot curry recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s:
- Nutritious: Beetroots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a side with rice, roti, or even as a filling in wraps.
- Easy to make: Uses common pantry spices and minimal preparation.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala creates an enticing aroma and taste.
- Vegetarian & vegan friendly: Perfect for plant-based diets without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh beetroot (peeled and diced)
- 2 tablespoons oil (mustard or vegetable oil preferred)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 green chilies (slit, adjust per taste)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Water as needed for cooking
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) (optional)
Equipment
- Medium-sized heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai
- Chopping board and knife
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Blender or masher (optional, for tomatoes)
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the beetroot: Peel and dice the beetroot into small cubes for even cooking. Rinse them well under running water and set aside.
- Heat the oil: In a medium pan or kadhai, warm the oil over medium flame. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
- Add cumin seeds and asafoetida: Once the mustard seeds pop, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida if using. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté onions and green chilies: Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until onions turn golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Incorporate ginger-garlic paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Mix in the pureed or chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the beetroot: Add the diced beetroot to the masala. Stir well to coat the beetroot with the spice mixture.
- Add water and simmer: Pour 1 to 1.5 cups of water, depending on how thick you want the curry. Add salt to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes or until the beetroot is tender.
- Finish with garam masala: Once the beetroot is cooked, sprinkle the garam masala on top and mix gently. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian breads like chapati or paratha.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, add a splash of coconut milk or yogurt towards the end of cooking.
Try roasting the beetroot before adding it to the curry to enhance its natural sweetness and add a smoky note.
You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or peas to make the curry more hearty.
Use fresh curry leaves for authentic South Indian flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Vitamin C | 15% of RDI |
Iron | 6% of RDI |
Serving Suggestions
Beetroot curry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed basmati rice or jeera rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also complements Indian breads such as chapati, paratha, or naan.
For a complete meal, serve it alongside dal (lentil curry) and a fresh cucumber raita. You might also enjoy it with a tangy salad or pickles to add a burst of contrasting flavors.
If you’re intrigued by Indian vegetable curries, you might want to check out other delicious recipes like Leek Recipes Indian or explore hearty Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for a fusion twist.
More Beetroot Curry Veg Recipes of India
Kerala Style Beetroot Thoran
This is a dry stir-fried beetroot dish from Kerala, flavored with grated coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. It’s a lighter, mildly spiced version perfect for a quick side.
Punjabi Beetroot Curry
A rich and creamy beetroot curry made with tomatoes, onions, and a touch of cream or yogurt, often served with makki di roti or plain naan.
Bengali Beetroot Chorchori
A traditional Bengali preparation where beetroot is cooked with mustard seeds, green chilies, and a pinch of turmeric. It’s simple, rustic, and delicious.
Beetroot and Potato Curry
A comforting mix of beetroot and potatoes cooked in a tomato-onion based gravy with garam masala and coriander, ideal for everyday meals.
Beetroot Sambar
A South Indian lentil stew with beetroot added along with tamarind and mustard seeds, creating a tangy and wholesome dish.
For more vibrant vegetable recipes, check out the Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe or try the fresh twist in the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe.
Conclusion
Beetroot curry is a wonderful way to add color, nutrition, and bold flavors to your dining table. Its earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with the warm spices typical of Indian cooking, making it a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
This recipe is easy enough for beginners and versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet or simply want to explore new culinary horizons, beetroot curry offers a delicious starting point. Don’t hesitate to try the variations mentioned or pair it with other favorite Indian dishes like dal or roti for a complete meal.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Beetroot Curry
Description: A flavorful Indian beetroot curry made with aromatic spices and coconut milk. This dish is both vibrant and nutritious, perfect as a side or main dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium beetroots, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 200 ml coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add turmeric, coriander, and red chili powders; mix well.
- Add diced beetroot and salt; stir to coat with spices.
- Pour in coconut milk and a little water if needed; cover and cook on low heat for 25 minutes or until beetroot is tender.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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