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Beetroot Fry, Andhra-style, is one of those underrated dishes that low-key slaps, blending the natural sweetness of beetroot with bold spices and nutty vibes.
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Start the recipe of beetroot fry by prepping three medium-sized beetroots—peel and grate them finely to get about two cups of grated beet goodness. The finer, the better, because this ensures even cooking and soaks up all the flavors like a pro.
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Set the grated beetroot aside; we'll get back to it.
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The real MVP of this dish is the podi (spice mix). Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, toss in 1 tablespoon of urad dal, and saut until it turns golden—this takes about 4 minutes.
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Next, add 2 tablespoons of coriander seeds and 3-4 dry red chilies (adjust based on your spice tolerance) and roast everything on low heat for 4-5 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing.
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Once roasted, move the spices to a bowl to cool down. Now, for some extra flavor punch, add 1 tablespoon of roasted peanuts, 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste, and 1 teaspoon of jaggery to the mix.
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Grind all this goodness into a coarse powder using a mixer. This podi is the real star here, so don't skip it!
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Now, for the tempering, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once the oil is hot, throw in 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter like a party starter.
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Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for that subtle savory vibe and follow up with 4-5 curry leaves. The aroma of sizzling curry leaves? Chef's kiss!
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Toss the grated beetroot into the pan and saut for 4 minutes on medium heat until it softens slightly.
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Turn the heat to low, slap a lid on the pan, and let it cook until the beetroot becomes tender, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
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When it's perfectly cooked, sprinkle the prepared podi over the beetroot and mix everything well, ensuring every bit is coated in that flavorful spice blend.
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The tamarind and jaggery in the podi add a next-level tangy-sweet balance to the beetroot's earthy sweetness, making it an absolute flavor bomb.
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Finish by stirring in 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander leaves and letting it cook on low for another 6-7 minutes so all the flavors can blend like besties.
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Once done, switch off the heat and transfer your vibrant, fragrant beetroot fry to a serving dish.
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Serve the beetroot fry with hot steamed rice or chapati, and enjoy!