Kerala Beetroot Pachadi: Tangy Yogurt & Coconut Side Dish

Kerala Style Beetroot Pachadi Recipe

Kerala Style Beetroot Pachadi is a vibrant and flavorful side dish from the southern part of India, commonly served as part of a traditional Kerala Sadya (feast). This dish combines the earthiness of beetroots with the creaminess of yogurt, making it a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment to any meal. The dish is quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavors from the aromatic spices used in its preparation. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 35 minutes

Servings:

• 4 servings

Cuisine:

• Indian

Course:

• Side Dish

Diet:

• Vegetarian

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beetroot:

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   • Start by washing the beetroot thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel the skin of the beets and then grate them finely using a grater or a food processor. Grating the beetroot ensures that it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors well.

2. Cook the Beetroot:

   • In a pressure cooker, add the grated beetroot along with a little water (just enough to cover the beetroot). Pressure cook it for about 3-4 minutes or until the beetroot becomes soft. Be careful not to overcook it, as it should retain some texture for a nice bite in the final dish.

3. Grind the Spices:

   • In a mixer grinder, combine the grated fresh coconut, dry red chilies, ginger, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds. Add a small amount of water and grind them into a smooth paste. This coconut-spice paste will bring the authentic Kerala flavors to your pachadi.

4. Combine Beetroot and Ground Paste:

   • Once the beetroot is cooked, open the pressure cooker, and add the freshly ground coconut paste and turmeric powder to the beetroot. Stir everything well to ensure that the beetroot is coated with the fragrant paste.

5. Cook the Mixture:

   • Cook the mixture on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the raw aroma of the paste to vanish and the flavors to meld together. Add salt to taste and stir well.

6. Cool and Add Yogurt:

   • Let the beetroot mixture cool down for a few minutes. Once it cools, whisk the curd (yogurt) well to make it smooth and creamy. Then, add the curd to the cooled beetroot mixture, and mix it thoroughly. The yogurt will give the pachadi its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor.

7. Tempering (Tadka):

   • Heat the sunflower oil in a small pan for tempering. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the dry red chili and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds until the curry leaves crisp up.

8. Finish the Dish:

   • Pour the tempering over the beetroot pachadi and stir everything to combine. The tempering adds a burst of flavor and fragrance to the dish.

9. Serve:

   • Your Kerala Style Beetroot Pachadi is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with hot steamed rice, and for a complete Kerala feast, pair it with dishes like Vendakkai Uppadan (Okra Stir Fry) and Jackfruit Seeds Stir Fry for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a small piece of tamarind while cooking the beetroot to introduce a slight tanginess, typical in some versions of this pachadi.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the number of dry red chilies used for grinding or add some green chilies in the tempering stage.
• Coconut Substitute: If you don’t have fresh coconut, you can substitute it with desiccated coconut, though the flavor may not be as rich.
• For a richer texture: You can add a little bit of coconut milk along with the yogurt for an even creamier consistency.

Kerala Style Beetroot Pachadi is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for those who love traditional South Indian cuisine. The blend of earthy beetroot, tangy yogurt, and aromatic spices makes this dish a delightful addition to any meal. It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and offers a healthy dose of nutrients, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. Enjoy this easy-to-make side dish that brings the authentic taste of Kerala right to your kitchen!