Beet Chops

While most shy away from the earthy taste of this root veggie, I love the versatility it affords and often sneak it into the most unexpected places. These little delights are a healthy and finger lickin alternative tothe usual potato patties.

Ing: 2 beetroots
      1 carrot
      1/2 cauliflower
      1 large turnip
      1 medium potato
       handful of chopped coriander
      1 tsp red chilli powder
      1 tsp garam masala
      1/4 cup roasted peanut powder
      1 spring onion, finely chopped
      2 tbsp cornflour to bind
      salt to taste

Method: Dice and boil the beets, carrot, cauliflower, turnip and potato. Cool and mash. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Shape into round flat patties. Heat some oil on a griddle or frying pan and cook the beet chops till crisp on both sides. Serve up hot in a bun with some chilled yogurt or mayonnaise.

BEETROOT PULAO

Winters bring the best of everything... celebrations and food. The garden is just overflowing with fresh colourful veggies, begging to be picked! And one of the best ways is to make this very warm winter special one-pot pulao! Colourful and favour- full, its perfect when the sun in the garden beckons and you want something quick and easy!!

The Ingredients for Beetroot Pulao are

1 cup rice
1 medium sized beetroot, cut into bite sized cubes
1 1/2 cup mixed veggies, chopped roughly 
2 sprigs curry leaves
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 inch cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
3-4 green cardamom, crushed lightly
4-5 cloves
1 green chilli, slit
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp ginger garlic paste
a pinch red chilli
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1 cup basmati rice
1 1/2 cup water
2 tbsp coconut milk

Method: Soak the rice in water and coconut milk. Heat a tbsp of oil in a pressure cooker. sizzle all the whole spices and curry leaves. add the chilli and onion. saute till translucent. add the ginger garlic paste and saute for a couple of seconds. add the rest of the ingredients and salt to taste. Cook for two whistles (approx 5-10 mins). garnish with coriander and serve with curds and poppadums!!