Beet, Onion And Cilantro Curry + Poop Watching

Day3 of BM#5:: I know many folks who despise Beets. Its totally understandable given that they taste like dirt. Besides staining the hands while cutting,ruining the manicure, it also stains your stools injecting a healthy dose of fear in you.Seriously, if one sees dark reddish poo it does make one think that they have one foot in the grave. Hey don't heckle me for "poop watching"..each poop-string/poop-goop has a story to tell. Umm, I am not making it up. It seems that the color, texture and length all are "some kind of health indicators". So are yours sinkers or floaters and what do they mean. Get the "scoop on poop" here.
Anyways, coming to the topic of interest, Beets are good for health. Beets have phytonutrients that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. It is a fact that these nutrients are lost when overcooked and such. While I don't like the idea of overcooking I don't like them raw either. So I cook them for 8-10 minutes with a basic masala so they don't taste like dirt no more.So how do you like it?

Ingredients:

• 2 Medium Red Beets
• 1 Medium Red Onion, roughly chopped
• 2 Dry Red Chili (remove seeds to reduce the heat)
• 1 Tsp Coriander Powder (Optional, I skipped it)
• 1/4" Ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 2-3 Tbsp Fresh Grated Coconut
• 1/2 Cup Cilantro, chopped
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt for taste

Procedure:

• In a wide pan, heat a tbsp of oil and brown the onion along with red chili, garlic and ginger. The onions should be really browned.

• Add the chopped cilantro just before switching off the stove. Cool this mixture and grind to a fine paste.

• Peel and julienne(cut into matchsticks) the beets. If the skin is tender don't peel it.

• In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil and saute the cut beets for 2 minutes so that the oil coats its evenly. Pour the finely ground paste into the pan.

• Grind the coconut with little water to a fine paste. Pour it into the pan as well along with Coriander powder if using. Stir and add salt. Check for taste. Add more salt if needed. Sprinkle "little" water and lid the pan. Cook for 7-8 minutes in medium flame or until they are firm but tender.

• Serve it with Roti or Rice. They taste especially good with Tangy Lime Rice or Grapefruit Rice.

Check out the Blogging Marathoners doing BM#5:
Curry in a hurry under 30 min: Cool Lassi(e), Harini, Kalyani, Priya Mahadevan, Suma
Seven Days of Colorful Dishes Kid's Special: Priya Suresh, Veena,
Seven Days of Indian Sweets: Shylaja, Srivalli
Seven Days of Regional Specials: Priya Yallapantula
Under 15 mins Quick Breakfast:Aarthi, Vaishali

Enjoy!