She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Tradition: A Family Recipe for Beets

Beets are a staple in many cuisines, and for good reason. They’re packed with nutrients, versatile, and utterly delicious. Today, I’m excited to share my family’s treasured recipe for beets, passed down through generations. This simple yet flavorful dish is a testament to the power of tradition in cooking.

A Recipe Born from Love

Our family’s beet recipe is more than just a set of instructions – it’s a reflection of our heritage and the love that goes into preparing each meal. We enjoy these beets hot or cold, served over steamed rice with a dollop of plain yogurt. You can also use them as a dosa filling, adding a twist to the classic potato curry.

Key Ingredients and Cooking Time

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• 2-3 large beets
• 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 10 green curry leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

This recipe yields 4 servings and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare. The difficulty level is easy, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

The Cooking Process

Step 1: Cooking the Beets

Steam, boil, or pressure-cook the beets until they’re almost cooked. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your method. The goal is to cook the beets until they’re easy to cut, but still firm.

Step 2: Preparing the Beets

Let the cooked beets cool, then peel and dice them into 1/2″ squares. This size ensures even cooking and a tender texture.

Step 3: Toasting the Spices

Place a wide nonstick pan over medium to high heat. Add olive oil, and when hot, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Toast for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn these ingredients.

Step 4: Combining the Beets and Spices

Add the diced beets to the pan, reducing the heat to medium. Season with turmeric, then cover and cook for 5-10 minutes. Uncover and season with salt and chili powder. Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving and Enjoying

When the beets are tender, remove them from heat, discard the curry leaves, and serve. Our family loves to enjoy these beets hot or cold, paired with steamed rice and a dollop of plain yogurt. You can also experiment with using them as a dosa filling for a unique twist.

This recipe is a testament to the power of tradition in cooking. By sharing it with you, I hope to inspire you to explore the rich flavors and stories behind your own family’s recipes.