Beetroot Thoran
Finely chopped beetroot cooked the Kerala way with coconut, curry leaves, and a light tempering. It turns earthy, sweet, and gently spiced, making a bright side dish that pairs beautifully with rice and simple curries.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Prepare the beetroot and aromatics.
1.Peel and finely chop the beetroot into small even pieces.2.Finely chop the onion.3.Slit the green chilies and keep the curry leaves ready.4.Grate the coconut if using fresh coconut pieces. - temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat coconut oil in a kadai over medium heat.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.3.Add urad dal and cook until lightly golden.4.Add curry leaves and green chilies and stir for a few seconds.TIPKeep the heat moderate so the urad dal turns golden without burning. - saute · ~5 min
Cook the onion and beetroot.
1.Add the chopped onion and cook until just softened.2.Add the beetroot, turmeric powder, and salt.3.Mix well so the beetroot is coated with the tempering.4.Sprinkle in the water and stir once. - simmer · ~10 min
Cover and cook until tender.
Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the beetroot turns tender but not mushy, stirring once or twice in between so it cooks evenly and does not catch at the bottom.
TIPIf the pan looks dry before the beetroot softens, add 1 tablespoon more water. - saute · ~3 min
Add the coconut and finish the thoran.
Add the grated coconut and mix well. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until the moisture dries up and the thoran looks light, fluffy, and semi-dry.
- serve
Serve the beetroot thoran warm.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chop the beetroot very finely and evenly so it cooks through quickly without turning patchy or mushy.
- 2Let the mustard seeds fully splutter before adding urad dal, or the dal can darken before the tempering is fragrant.
- 3Keep the heat low once the beetroot is covered; high heat can scorch the natural sugars at the bottom.
- 4Add only a splash of water at first, since beetroot releases moisture as it cooks and thoran should stay semi-dry.
- 5Stir the coconut in at the end and cook briefly; overcooking dulls its sweetness and makes the thoran heavy.
- 6If using pre-grated frozen coconut, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture so the final texture stays fluffy.
- 7This keeps well for lunchboxes; cool completely before storing so the coconut does not steam and turn soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
No-onion
Skip the onion for a simpler Kerala-style version with a cleaner beetroot-and-coconut flavor.
spicierSpicier
Add an extra green chili or a pinch of crushed black pepper if you want more heat without changing the dish's character.
jainJain
Omit the onion and use a touch more curry leaves and coconut for aroma while keeping the thoran gentle and balanced.
carrot beetrootCarrot-beetroot
Replace part of the beetroot with finely chopped carrot for a sweeter, more colorful thoran with a lighter earthiness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Fiber-Rich Vegetable Side
Beetroot and onion add fiber that helps make this thoran a satisfying accompaniment to rice-based meals.
Plant-Based Goodness
This dish is fully plant-based, with beetroot, coconut, curry leaves, and spices bringing flavor without heavy sauces.
Naturally Antioxidant Rich
Beetroot and turmeric contribute naturally occurring antioxidant compounds along with the freshness of curry leaves and chili.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Grated beetroot cooks faster and gives a softer thoran, while finely chopped beetroot gives a more distinct, fluffy texture.
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