BEETROOT THORAN

This is a simple but tasty colourful thoran made with beetroot. It has a unique flavour. Thoran is a traditional dry vegetable recipe from Kerala, made with grated or finely chopped vegetables by using ingredients mustard seeds, shallots, coconut, curry leaves, turmeric powder, chillies and coconut oil. It is served in the Onam Sadya along with other dishes.

INGREDIENTS:
1 large Beetroot
2 Shallots (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup freshly grated Coconut
1/2 tsp grated Ginger
1 Cardamom
1/4" Cinnamon
1 Clove
2 Black Peppercorns
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1/4 tsp Cumin seeds
5-6 whole Curry leaves
1 whole Dry Red Chilli
2 chopped Green chillies
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Coriander powder
2 tbsps Coconut Oil
1 tbsp fresh Lemon juice
Salt to taste


METHOD:
Wash, cut off the edge of beetroot and peel it by a peeler. Chop beetroot finely in small cubes.

Roast cardamom, cinnamon, clove and peppercorn for 1-2 minutes, pound coarsely. Set aside.

Heat coconut oil in a wok. Add mustard seeds in it. When they pop up, add cumin seeds, dry red chilli and curry leaves. Stir for few seconds and then add sliced shallots. Fry for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Now add grated ginger and green chillies in it. Fry for a minutes.

Now add turmeric powder, coriander powder and coarsely pounded spices in it. Stir for a minute and add chopped beetroot and salt. Fold well and cover and cook it for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add grated coconut in it and mix well. cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice, fold well. Remove from heat. Tasty beetroot thoran is ready to serve.

Serve hot with steamed rice and moru curry or sambar. May serve with rotis or porothas too.

TIPS: You could also use grated beetroot, that will cook faster than chopped beetroot.
         If like to make more spicy, may add 2 pods of minced garlic.
         Those who dont have fresh coconut, could substitute with dry or desiccated coconut.
         Adding ginger is not trend, but it gives an extra flavour.

Linking this to Show me your Hits - Carrots and Beets. Sangee Event hosted by Anusha