Thursday 2 April 2015

Beetroot bitter gourd curry

Today's post is about a mixed vegetable curry. This curry is not hot; prepared using organic vegetables bought from a store near-by. I am planning to grow beets, collecting information about its cultivation. About bitter gourd, I am not sure if I can grow it at home because it is a climber that requires a lot of space.

The ingredients:
  • Beetroot
  • Bittergourd
  • African malli / coriander leaves for garnish
  • Salt
  • Water
  • A little turmeric powder
  • Wheat bran (Rich in fiber, already blogged about this). Cut vegetables into small pieces and mix it with turmeric powder, two teaspoons full of wheat bran and a little salt. Cook it to perfection on a low flame until it assumes the looks that you see here. Add water also. This dish is easy to prepare, no oil added. Finally, add some chopped leaves of African coriander about which also I blogged recently.
Beets are said to possess:
  • anti-oxidant activity
  • anti-inflammatory activity
  • detox activity
  • anti-cancerous activity
Beetroot, as you know, is considered as a superfood. It is rich in anti-oxidants that neutralize the free radicals which are responsible for triggering the cellular reactions that cause many diseases. Betalain pigments present in beets are said to be having unique anti-oxidant properties. Half cooked or even raw vegetables are cool to eat. Limit the time of cooking to retain healthy nutrients. Some discoloration of urine is expected when you consume beets.
  • Beets are said to reverse fatty liver. 
  • Good source of lutein; improves eye health.
  • They are an excellent source of copper.
  • Good source of folate and potassium.
Bitter gourd (Bitter melon, Karela)
This is very popular in Asian countries especially India. This vegetable is said to possess anti-diabetic properties. Researchers have identified Insulin-like substances in this vegetable. Combining this with beetroot is an excellent way to increase its palatability. Beets are a little sweet and this will neutralize the bitterness of bitter gourd. Besides the popular use in Diabetes, it has uses in HIV-AIDS and cancer prevention. It may even cause hypoglycemia if consumed in excess. Avoid this if pregnant.

I have already outlined the medicinal value of African coriander in my post here...
http://magicalpresent.blogspot.in/2015/03/african-mexican-coriander.html

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20 comments:

Beena said...

Simple healthy curry . Good post

Sandee said...

I'd give this dish a try too. Sounds very good.

Have a fabulous day. ☺

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Yep, it is simple :)
Thanks.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Good, you sure will like it.
Thanks.

♥ Łucja-Maria ♥ said...

Oh Rajiv, only envy those vegetables.
Beetroot is another vegetable bitter, which recognize only at you.
African coriander leaves. Occasionally I buy coriander and this is such a delicious herb.
Rajiv, another fantastic post. I regret that I do not have these ingredients. I can not cook this yummy-looking soup.
Greetings from Polish.
Lucia

George said...

This sounds delicious, and I like the fact that it sounds easy to make.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Well, one day you too will get or grow these veggies. Or try some Indian shops now itself, they may be able to help you.
Thanks Lucia !

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Thanks George.
It is a simple dish.

Joy said...

very interesting dish:)

Blackswan said...

I'm a fan of both vegetables, but didn't cross my mind to put them together in a dish. Great health info, Rajiv! Love to dig into it right now!

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Thanks Joy.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Wow, great compliment, Shirley !
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Looks good. I dislike hot foods, so I'm glad it's not hot.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

It isn't hot :). I wanted to enjoy the sweetness of beets, so did not add chilli. Moreover, beets give this dish the bright color similar to a hot masala curry !
Thank you.

Giga said...

I'm not well know this soup, but definitely good. I wish you a happy Easter.

Leovi said...

Yes, that rich food, love ...! Thank you very much!

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

It is a yummy dish, Giga :)
Thanks.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

You are welcome !
Thanks.

1 Recette 1 Minute said...

This looks delicious and it's healthy, i love it :)
Have a great day Rajiv !

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Thanks Gagnon.