Beetroot Leaves Kootu

Beetroot Leaves - I tasted them at my friend's place for the first time. Reluctant first, Hesitant next I tasted it after my friend's loving reassurance "You will not die. Taste it".  (yeah, she is such a lovely friend). I did not die and better yet, I liked the taste of them leaves. :D

Then Tamil bought the beets with leaves. With minor variations to her version that suited our pantry, mood, memory (as much as we can recall her recipe) and taste buds.. the new dish made it's way here. The crunch of the leaves in every bite with the sweet and spice of the beets sets it apart. Karthik's verdict: Super-a irukku. It did taste very good.

Buy the Beetroot bunch with the leaves and wash the leaves well

Finely chop beets including the leaves 

Heat 3 tsp of oil in a pan

Season the oil with 1 tsp of mustard seeds and let the seeds crackle

Add a spring of curry leaves

Add 1 large red onion finely chopped

Saute the onions well until translucent

Toss the beets and leaves

Stir occasionally and saute until beets is half done

Add 1 tsp of red chilly powder, 1/2 tsp of Turmeric powder and salt per taste

Continue to saute until beets is well done or al-dente

Sprinkle water time to time to aid with the cooking

While it is cooking, fine ground 3 green chillies, 1 tsp of Cumin seeds with 2 tbsp of Coconut powder

Just when the beets is about to be done, add the coconut powder 

Give it a stir, cover the pan and simmer the stove for about 5 to 7 mins

Delicious Beets is ready to be served