Making Beetroot More Palatable for Everyday Cooking

Do you struggle with the taste of cooked beets? Don't worry; you're not alone. While fresh beets are delicious in salads or as a standalone dish, the challenge is finding ways to incorporate them into everyday meals without squashing their flavor. That's where beet pulp comes in as a lifesaver.

The Power of Beet Pulp

To make your cooking easier, my mom, like many homespun cooks, came up with a clever solution. Instead of whole beets, which can be a taste hurdle, she turned them into a puree and froze it for future use. This method not only solves the taste issue but also ensures that you get the benefit of beets in every dish you make. Here’s how to make beet pulp and use it in various recipes.

How to Prepare Beet Pulp

The process is straightforward. Here are the steps:

Bake the beets for 4-5 hours to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Once they are cool enough to handle, slice them up and blend them with: 2 cloves of garlic 1-1.5 inch piece of ginger A pinch of salt Some drops of lemon juice Optional: Fresh cilantro and olive oil

This puree can then be frozen for later use, making it easy to add a boost of nutrition and color to your dishes.

Enjoy Beetroot in Every Dish

Using beet pulp in your cooking is a versatile and tasty addition. Here are a few recipes where beet pulp can help enhance the flavor and color:

Pav Bhaji Indian Dish

Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food that usually requires a red curry color. By using frozen beet pulp, you can instantly add the necessary depth of color without altering the taste:

Simmer the beet pulp with other spices to create a vibrant base. Add the pulp to the curries or variety dishes that require a deep red color.

Beet Carrot Salad - Indian Style

This light and refreshing salad is a perfect combination of beets and carrots, both of which are terrific when combined in a dish. Here is how to prepare it:

Grate equal parts of beetroot and carrots (half a cup each) and mix with a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of sugar. Squeeze in about half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Heat one and a half teaspoons of oil (olive, vegetable or sesame) in a tiny wok and temper with half a teaspoon of cumin seeds. Pour over the salad and mix well. Chill the salad before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Beetroot Kebabs

Kebabs are a versatile dish that can be both tasty and visually appealing with the addition of beetroot:

Lightly peel and chop beets and boil them for about five minutes until slightly tender. Drain the beets and either grate or mash them, depending on your preference. Add chopped green chillies, cilantro, and a grated boiled potato (half the amount of beet). Season with salt, pepper, red chilli powder, and a squeeze of lime. Shape into circles and dip in a thin paste of flour, followed by fresh bread crumbs. Shallow fry the kebabs in a non-stick pan, making sure to spray both sides with oil. Serve with a salsa or chutney of your choice, or wrap them in a tortilla with marinated onions and spiced yogurt.

Beetroot Hummus

If you're a hummus lover, adding beetroot can give your dip a unique and vibrant twist:

Grind boiled beetroot with chickpeas, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. The result is a beautifully pink and flavorful dip that will enhance any meal.

By using beet pulp or incorporating these beetroot recipes, you can introduce more nutrition into your meals while keeping the taste palatable and appealing. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine, looking to add color to your salads, or just want to experiment with different flavors, beets are an excellent ingredient to try. So, don't be afraid to embrace a more varied and delicious approach to cooking with beets.

Give these recipes a try and see how beetroot can become a staple in your cooking. Happy cooking!