Beetroot pulao is very easy to prepare and also very healthy. You can prepare it for lunch and all it needs is a simple raita to go along with it. The lovely colour of the pulao is so appealing. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat beetroot. They are perfect for lunch box also.
Beetroot has many health benefits. Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fibre, essential minerals like potassium and manganese. It is rich in iron, vitamins A, B and C, beta-carotene and folic acid. It has the highest sugar content of all vegetables but releases sugars very slowly into the blood. Beetroot is great for boosting stamina. Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which help prevent LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol from being oxidized and deposited in the arteries. Because of its high iron content, it’s good for those with anaemia and fatigue. Beetroot is also virtually fat free and low in calories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- A cup Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Green chilli, slit
- A tsp. Ginger garlic paste
- 1 small Tomato, choppedl
- One cup Beetroot, grated
- Mint leaves, fistful
- 2 tbsp. Coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp. Biryani masala
- Salt, as needed
- 1 ½ cups Water
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon juice
For the seasoning
- 1 tbsp. Oil
- ½ tsp. Fennel seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 Cloves
- 1 inch piece Cinnamon
- 2 Cardamoms
Method
- Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes. Drain the water and keep it aside.
- Wash, peel the skin and grate or finely chop beetroot.
- Heat oil in a pan, then add fennel seeds, when it splutters, add cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaf.
- Sauté for a few seconds, then add thinly sliced onions, slit green chilli and cook until onions turn transparent.
- Add ginger garlic paste and saute for a few more minutes.
- Next, add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add beetroot, coriander leaves, mint leaves, biryani masala and salt needed.
- Mix well, add water and lemon juice. Add water according to the quality of your rice. (1 cup of basmati rice needs approximately – 1 1/2 -2 cups of water.) When water starts boiling, add soaked and drained basmati rice. Mix well and check for salt by tasting the water, if the water is slightly salty, it will become perfect once the rice is cooked. Lower the heat and cook covered until rice is done. You can pressure cook rice or cook rice in a pan with lid or use the rice cooker.
