🌸 Beetroot Kichadi | Onam Sadya Special
A beautiful fusion of earthy beetroot and creamy curd, tempered with Kerala spices – a must-have in every Onam Sadya!
📝 About the Dish
Beetroot Kichadi is a traditional Kerala side dish, usually served as part of the grand Onam Sadya. This vibrant pink dish is made with grated beetroot, fresh ground coconut, yogurt (curd), and a fragrant tempering. It is sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy — balancing the heavier curries on the banana leaf.
🧺 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot (medium-sized) | 1, peeled & grated |
| Curd (yogurt) | 1 cup (thick) |
| Grated coconut | ½ cup |
| Green chilli | 1 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp (divided) |
| Cumin seeds | ½ tsp |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coconut oil | 2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
👩🍳 Preparation Steps
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Beetroot
-
In a small pan, cook the grated beetroot with a little water and salt.
-
Cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until soft and the water is almost evaporated.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Coconut Paste
-
Grind together:
-
Grated coconut
-
Green chilli
-
½ tsp mustard seeds
-
Cumin seeds
-
A splash of water
-
-
Grind to a smooth paste.
🔹 Step 3: Combine
-
Add the coconut paste to the cooked beetroot.
-
Stir and cook on low flame for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
-
Let the mixture cool slightly.
-
Whisk the curd well and add it to the mixture.
-
Mix gently. Do not heat after adding curd to prevent curdling.
🔹 Step 4: Tempering (Tadka)
-
Heat coconut oil in a small pan.
-
Add:
-
½ tsp mustard seeds
-
Curry leaves
-
-
When they splutter, pour this tempering over the kichadi.
🍛 Serving Suggestion
-
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
-
Traditionally placed on the top left of the banana leaf during a Sadya.
-
Pair with rice, sambar, avial, and other Onam delicacies.
🪔 Cultural Note
In a traditional Onam Sadya, kichadi is a sour side dish made with vegetables and curd. Beetroot Kichadi stands out for its striking color and creamy texture. It balances the richness of other dishes and adds a visual pop to the festive leaf!
🌱 Tips & Variations
-
Use thick curd or hung curd for a creamier texture.
-
For added freshness, garnish with a few chopped coriander leaves (optional).
-
Can also be made with cucumber, pineapple, or ash gourd in place of beetroot.
🧘♀️ Healthy Twist
-
Beetroot is rich in iron and antioxidants.
-
Use low-fat curd if watching calories.
-
Avoid overcooking to retain maximum nutrients and color.
📌 Pin this recipe & try for Onam!
Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. 💬
Do tag @TaniaLeCuisine on Instagram if you try it — I love seeing your recreations!
🛒 Shop Ingredients & Tools (Affiliate Links)
Make your cooking easier with these hand-picked, kitchen-tested essentials:
| Ingredient / Tool | Buy Online |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil | Buy on Amazon |
| 🛒 This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue sharing free recipes. Thank you! |
Comments
Post a Comment