From Idli to Sundal: 6 South Indian beetroot dishes to try

From crunchy chips to refreshing salads, beetroot keeps making headlines for its impressive nutritional benefits and its easy fit into everyday meals. It is said to be rich in nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide in the body. The substance helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. As per a study, beetroot juice is said to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and boost health. It is also said that beetroot helps with improved circulation of oxygen to the brain, and in the form of soup, it may help improve focus, memory, and cognitive performance. As per research, nitrates in beetroot increase cerebral blood flow, especially in the prefrontal cortex, an area important for higher-level cognitive functions like decision-making and working memory. As much as we celebrate this root vegetable in the North, so does the South. They also add it in different dishes, which makes it an integral part of the South Indian diet too. Take a look at some of the popular South Indian dishes made with beetroot.

To make this dosa, add beetroot puree to the classic dosa batter and make it eye-catchy with lots of iron, fiber, and antioxidants. It is perfect for a wholesome breakfast or lunch. Enjoy it with sambar and coconut chutney. (Image: istock)

Make the regular idli healthy and add beetroot puree to the batter. They look eye-catchy and are rich in iron too. Pair them with coconut chutney and enjoy.

It is a dry stir-fry made with finely chopped beetroot, seasoned with coconut, salt and pepper and has an interesting tempering of mustard seeds, and fresh curry leaves. It is a side dish packed with flavor, fiber, and traditional flair and goes well with rice and appam. (Image: istock)

It is a wholesome lentil-based stew made with toor dal and is seasoned with beetroot, tamarind and other veggies. The use of beetroot adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. It goes well with rice or idli. (Image: istock)

It is a South Indian-style raita made with grated beetroot, curd, and has a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaf, and dried red chillies. It is cooling, tangy, and a perfect balance to spicy dishes and goes well with rice. (Image: istock)

It is a protein-rich snack made by sautéing cooked beetroot with soaked lentils or chana, mustard seeds, and grated coconut. It is a healthy snack during fasts and pairs well with murukku as an evening treat. (Image: Instagram/sonalis_kitchen)