Beetroot Palya
A vibrant and healthy South Indian stir-fry made with finely chopped beetroot, aromatic spices, and fresh coconut. This simple side dish is slightly sweet, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preparation (10 mins): Wash, peel, and finely chop the beetroot into small, even-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion, slit the green chilies, and chop the coriander leaves. Keep all ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process.
Tempering (2 mins): Heat coconut oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely. Then, add the urad dal and chana dal. Sauté for about a minute until they turn a light golden brown. Finally, add the curry leaves and hing, and sauté for another 10 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté Aromatics (3 mins): Add the finely chopped onion and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.
Cook Beetroot (12 mins): Add the chopped beetroot, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Mix everything well to ensure the beetroot is coated with the spices. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of water, cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice in between, until the beetroot is tender but still has a slight bite.
Finish with Coconut (1 min): Once the beetroot is cooked through, remove the lid. Add the fresh grated coconut and mix gently to combine. Cook for one more minute, allowing the coconut to warm up and its flavors to meld with the beetroot.
Garnish and Serve (1 min): Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Beetroot Palya hot as a side dish with rice and sambar, rasam, or with chapatis.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a quicker version, you can grate the beetroot instead of chopping it. This reduces the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes.
- 2Ensure the dals in the tempering turn golden but do not burn, as this provides a crucial nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- 3Use fresh coconut for the best authentic flavor. If unavailable, frozen grated coconut is a good substitute. Desiccated coconut can be used after soaking it in a little warm water for 10 minutes.
- 4A pinch of jaggery (about 1/2 tsp) can be added along with the beetroot to enhance its natural sweetness and balance the flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Garlic
For a different flavor profile, add 2-3 cloves of finely chopped garlic along with the onions during the sautéing step.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the turmeric powder for extra heat and a deeper color.
Karnataka StyleKarnataka Style
For a traditional Udupi-Mangalore style, you can add a coarse powder of roasted urad dal, red chilies, and a pinch of hing at the end along with the coconut for a different texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Beetroot is packed with betalains, the pigments that give it its vibrant color. These compounds have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect cells from damage.
Supports Heart Health
The nitrates in beetroot can help lower blood pressure. Additionally, the fiber content helps in managing cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.
Good for Digestion
This dish is a good source of dietary fiber from beetroot and coconut, which aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Beetroot Palya (approximately 195g) contains around 150-170 calories, making it a light and healthy side dish. The exact count depends on the amount of oil and coconut used.