Delve into the vibrant flavors of Karnataka with this delightful Beetroot Palya, a nutritious side dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and lentil sambar. This recipe highlights the earthy sweetness of beetroot, enhanced by the fragrant spices and fresh coconut, making it an ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot | 500 grams (cut into long strips) |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Sambar powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
| Dry red chilli | 1 |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sunflower oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 5g |
Instructions
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Preparation: Begin by peeling the beetroot and slicing it into long, thin strips. Set aside.
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Tempering: Heat sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
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Aromatics: Introduce a pinch of asafoetida, the dry red chilli, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
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Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
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Cooking the Beetroot: Stir in the beetroot strips, season with salt, and mix well. Cook until the beetroot is just half done, allowing its sweetness to develop.
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Spicing It Up: Add the sambar powder to the mixture, tossing everything together. Continue to cook until the beetroot is tender and fully cooked through.
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Final Touch: In a mortar and pestle, pound the grated coconut and garlic cloves until you achieve a coarse paste. Add this to the pan and mix well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
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Serving: Once done, remove from heat and serve your Karnataka Style Beetroot Palya hot alongside steamed rice, keerai sambar, and elai vadam for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy the delightful simplicity and rich flavors of this Karnataka classic, perfect for any weekday lunch!