Beetroot Rice

                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

If you have never had this dish before you might find the shocking pink colour  a bit startling. Go beyond that however and you will love it! Believe me, it is not one of those fad dishes that just look exotic! Beetroot Rice is truly special on all counts...appearance, taste and nutrition.

I nearly always have beetroot in my refrigerator. It helps that it doesn't spoil fast and can be stored for a long period of time. I enjoy adding beetroot to salads, making raita ( spiced yoghurt) with it, or blending it for a yummy drink. Occasionally I make beetroot sandwiches, cutlets, or like this time, Beetroot Rice.

One day last week, after a heavy tea which left appetites low, a light dinner seemed like a good idea. A quick peek in the fridge revealed cooked rice and boiled beetroot. Without expending much effort ( my energy levels were also low!!), I rustled up this delicious Beetroot Rice. It was perfect! Just what one could wish for! Light, aromatic and totally satisfying!

Ingredients: 
1/2 cup boiled beetroot, grated
3 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup onion, sliced and fried crisp
1 green chilly, finely chopped
1 inch ginger, finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp  urad dal ( split, dehusked black gram)
Few curry leaves

Method:    Cook rice and let it cool completely.  Fry sliced onions till brown and crisp. Boil beetroot in plenty of water till soft, remove skin and grate. Finely chop ginger and green chilly.

In a heavy bottom pan heat butter and oil. Add mustard seeds and  urad dal. When they begin to splutter add ginger, green chilly, curry leaves and fried onion. Stir for few seconds and then add cooked and cooled rice, boiled and grated beetroot, lemon juice and salt.  Lower flame, cover and let it cook for a couple of minutes. Serve hot.

If you like you can add some vegetables to the Beetroot Rice. Veggies like potatoes, green peas,carrots, french beans etc would go very well with it. Enjoy it as a one pot meal with a raita or serve it as a side dish along with other dishes.