Beetroot Recipes: Delicious, Healthy & Easy Ways to Cook Beetroot
The moment you think of beetroot, which image pops into your head? For me, it’s the earthy aroma, the bright crimson color that stains your hands, and the sweet, refreshing crunch when eaten raw. Beetroot isn’t just a vegetable—it’s a treasure chest of nutrients, flavors, and creativity in the kitchen. From Indian beetroot curry to modern salads, beetroot can transform into comfort food or gourmet delicacies.
In this article, we’ll explore over 20 unique beetroot recipes, learn why beetroot is a superfood, and discover simple, everyday ways to include it in your meals. Whether you’re looking for South Indian beetroot stir-fries, salads, or fusion recipes, I’ve got you covered.
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| Image Credit : Pixabay |
Why Beetroot Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen
Beetroot is often underrated, but it’s actually one of the healthiest root vegetables out there. It’s naturally sweet, rich in antioxidants, and packed with vitamins like Vitamin C, folate, and iron. Research indicates that drinking beetroot juice could help reduce blood pressure and enhance endurance.
But beyond health benefits, beetroot is a mood-lifting ingredient. Have you noticed how the deep red color instantly makes any dish look festive and vibrant? For me, cooking with beetroot feels like painting a canvas—colorful, creative, and full of life.
Nutritional Benefits of Beetroot
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Rich in Iron & Folate – great for improving hemoglobin levels.
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Packed with Antioxidants – helps fight inflammation.
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Good for the Heart – lowers blood pressure and improves circulation.
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Enhances Vitality – the natural nitrates in beetroot help increase endurance.
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Weight-Loss Friendly – low in calories, high in fiber.
Best Ways to Eat Beetroot
It’s time to respond to one of the most common queries:
What is the best way to eat beetroot?
Honestly, there’s no single best way. You can eat it raw in salads, steamed, boiled, roasted, or cooked in curries. For a quick snack, I sometimes slice it thin, drizzle with lemon juice and chaat masala—instant beetroot chaat!
Simple Beetroot Recipes for Everyday Cooking
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy beetroot, here are some simple recipes you can whip up:
1. Beetroot Salad (Refreshing & Healthy)
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Grated beetroot
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Lemon juice
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Salt, pepper
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Fresh coriander
👉 This is my go-to salad when I need something light yet filling. It’s crunchy, tangy, and naturally sweet.
2. Beetroot Raita (Cool & Creamy)
A quick Indian side dish:
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Grated beetroot
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Yogurt
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Green chili, cumin powder, salt
This works wonders with pulao or parathas.
3. Beetroot Juice (Energy Booster)
Combine fresh beetroot with carrots, ginger, and a splash of lemon juice in a blender.This juice is my morning energizer, perfect before a workout.
Beetroot Recipes Indian Style
Indian cuisine has a beautiful way of turning humble vegetables into flavorful delights. Beetroot is no exception.
4. Beetroot Curry (Beetroot Sabzi)
This is one of the most popular beetroot recipes Indian households make. Sauté grated beetroot with onion, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a touch of coconut. It pairs beautifully with rice or chapati.
5. South Indian Beetroot Poriyal (Beetroot Fry)
A semi-dry dish prepared using shredded coconut, mustard seeds, and fragrant curry leaves. It’s quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
6. Beetroot Halwa (Sweet Dessert)
Similar to carrot halwa, but with a deep ruby-red color. Made with milk, ghee, and sugar, this halwa melts in your mouth.
7. Beetroot Paratha (Stuffed Indian Bread)
Seasoned beetroot filling wrapped in whole wheat dough and shallow-fried in ghee. Perfect breakfast or lunchbox recipe.
Beetroot Recipes for Salad Lovers
If you’re a salad person, beetroot is your best friend.
8. Beetroot & Feta Cheese Salad
The creaminess of feta balances the earthy beetroot. Add walnuts for crunch.
9. Beetroot & Apple Salad
Sweet apples and beets tossed with lemon dressing—a refreshing combo.
10. Beetroot Sprout Salad
A protein-packed salad with moong sprouts, beetroot, cucumber, and lemon juice.
Cooked Beetroot Recipes
Some people prefer beetroot cooked because it reduces the earthy taste.
11. Roasted Beetroot
Lightly coat with olive oil and bake until golden and sweet—easy yet divine.
12. Beetroot Soup
A warm, comforting dish made with beetroot, carrots, and a touch of cream.
13. Beetroot Cutlets (Beetroot Tikki)
Crispy, spiced patties perfect for evening snacks.
Fusion & Modern Beetroot Recipes
Beetroot isn’t limited to traditional dishes—it shines in modern cuisine too.
14. Beetroot Hummus
Mix beetroot with chickpeas, tahini sauce, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice in a blender. A vibrant dip for pita bread.
15. Beetroot Pasta Sauce
A creamy, pink sauce made with blended beets, garlic, and cream cheese.
16. Beetroot Smoothie
Beetroot, banana, and yogurt blended together—nutritious and filling.
South Indian Beetroot Recipes
South Indian homes have perfected the art of cooking beetroot.
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Beetroot Kootu – a soothing blend of beetroot cooked with yellow lentils and grated coconut.
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Beetroot Pachadi – a Kerala-style yogurt-based side dish.
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Beetroot Stir Fry (Andhra Style) – tempered with curry leaves, mustard, and green chilies.
Creative Ways to Use Lots of Beetroot
Got a bunch of beetroots and don’t know what to do? Here are ideas:
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Pickled Beetroot – stays fresh in the refrigerator for several weeks.
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Beetroot Chips – thinly sliced and baked until crispy.
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Beetroot Dosa – a vibrant variation of the traditional dosa batter.
Best Combinations with Beetroot
What is a good combination with beetroot?
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Beetroot + Carrot → Perfect for juice & salads.
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Beetroot + Coconut → South Indian magic!
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Beetroot paired with cheese (feta or goat) → an irresistibly perfect combination.
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Beetroot + Nuts (Walnut/Almonds) → Adds crunch & nutrition.
Beetroot Recipes for Weight Loss
Beetroot is low in calories but rich in fiber—making it a smart option for weight control diets.
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Beetroot detox juice
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Beetroot salad with sprouts
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Beetroot soup
Tips to Cook Beetroot Without Losing Nutrition
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Steam instead of boiling to retain nutrients.
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Roast for intense flavor.
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Avoid overcooking—it can make beetroot mushy.
Personal Experience with Beetroot Recipes
I’ll be honest—when I was a kid, I hated beetroot. It looked too red, almost like medicine. But one day, my grandmother made South Indian beetroot poriyal with coconut, and it changed everything. The crisp bite, gentle sweetness, and fragrance of curry leaves—it was truly enchanting. From that moment, beetroot became one of my most loved ingredients to play with in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Beetroot isn’t just another vegetable—it’s a canvas of flavors, colors, and endless possibilities. From Indian-style curries to modern salads and smoothies, there’s a beetroot recipe for everyone. It’s healthy, versatile, and adds a splash of color to your plate. So the next time you buy beetroot, don’t just boil it—experiment, mix, match, and let your creativity flow.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to eat beetroot?
Raw in salads, as juice, or lightly cooked in curries—depending on your taste.
2. What to do with lots of fresh beetroot?
Make pickles, soups, poriyal, or even beetroot chips for long-lasting use.
3. How do you cook beetroot in Indian style?
South Indian poriyal, North Indian curry, or even halwa—Indian cuisine offers many delicious options.
4. What is a good combination with beetroot?
Cheese, coconut, carrot, nuts, and yogurt pair beautifully with beetroot.
5. Are cooked beetroot recipes healthier than raw?
Both are healthy—raw beetroot retains vitamin C, while cooked beetroot becomes sweeter and easier to digest.
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