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    Home » Side Dishes

    Beet and cucumber raita

    Published: Oct 15, 2015 · Modified: Jan 10, 2023 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 8 Comments

    230 shares
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    The brilliant hue of beets and creamy texture of yogurt in my signature beet raita is a visually striking accompaniment for many Indian dishes. This cool and refreshing side dish can hold its own plate, but it can also enhance complex flavors while toning down the heat and warmth of spicy dishes.

    beet raita in a bowl

    Before I show you how to make beet raita here is some more info on beetroot and leaves!

    Beet also known as beetroot is a popular root vegetable in India that can be eaten raw, steamed, or roasted. Beetroots have several health benefits and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

    Green beet leaves are full of vitamins A, C, K, and B2, so next time you buy a whole bunch of beets do not toss the leaves away. You can make a delicious side dish with beet leaves - finely dice the stems and saute them in olive oil with garlic. Once the stems have become tender add chopped leaves and saute until they have cooked down. Add salt and pepper to taste.

    How to Cook Beets in Instant Pot

    For many years roasting beets in the oven was one of my meal preps so I always had cooked beets handy in the refrigerator. Although, now I prefer steaming beets in the Instant Pot. It is a lot more convenient and hands-free without having to heat up your kitchen. Here is how:

    1. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet in the pot. Place the beets on the trivet.
    2. Secure the lid and set the pressure release to sealing. Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, this will take about 10 minutes. Open the pot and wearing heat-resistant mitts transfer the beets to a plate or cutting board. Let cool.

    Once the beets cool down you can refrigerate them in an air-tight container. When you are ready to use simply peel, chop and use in raita, salads, and sandwiches or add to hummus for a burst of flavor and color.

    Tip: I like to buy small to medium-sized beets so they do not take as much time. But you can also easily cut large beets into halves or simply increase the cook times.

    Instant Pot Cooking Time for Beets

    Use the steam setting on the Instant Pot and allow at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release. For small whole beets adjust the cooking time to 10-12 minutes, for medium whole beets 15-20 minutes, and for large whole beets 20-25 minutes.  You can also cut large beets in half and adjust the cooking time accordingly. I prefer steaming whole beets as they do not drain out much of the nutrient-rich inner juices.

    How to Make Beet Raita

    Once you have steamed beets ready making beet raita is simple:

    • In a medium bowl whisk together yogurt and salt. Stir in cucumber.
    • Add peeled and chopped beets to the raita, stir to combine, and garnish with the mint. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and serve chilled.
    chana saag served with rice and beet raita

    Serve beet raita with

    • Chicken Biryani
    • Vegetable & Paneer Biryani
    • Chickpeas Biryani
    • Brown Rice Chicken Biryani
    • Chicken Tikka Masala
    • Dum Aloo 
    • Chana Saag

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    beet raita in a bowl
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    4.34 from 9 votes

    Beet and Cucumber Raita

    Cooling raita with beets and cucumber that pairs well with spicy Indian curries, biryani, and pulao.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 98kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium beets
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups yogurt full fat
    • 2 small cucumbers peeled and cubed
    • 8 fresh mint leaves optional

    Instructions

    Steaming Beets in Instant Pot:

    • Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet in the pot. Place the beets on the trivet. 
    • Secure the lid and set the pressure release to sealing. Manual(Hi)/Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, this will take about 10 minutes. Open the pot and wearing heat-resistant mitts transfer the beets to a plate or cutting board. Let cool. When cool enough to handle, peel the beets and cut them into ½-inch cubes.

    Making Raita

    • In a medium bowl whisk together yogurt and salt. Stir in cucumber.
    • Add the beets to the raita, stir to combine, and garnish with the mint. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and serve chilled. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

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    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Update Notes: I originally posted this recipe in 2015, but I updated it in July 2019 with new photos and information.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Deepa says

      June 03, 2019 at 4:04 pm

      Hi Archana, do you cut the beets in half or chop them up before putting in instant pot?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 03, 2019 at 6:18 pm

        I don’t unless they are really big! I usually will buy small or medium beets and then place them whole in the pot

        Reply
    2. Elaine Crocker says

      September 29, 2019 at 10:25 am

      Hi Archana,

      Can I use one cup full fat yogurt and one cup fat free yogurt?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        September 29, 2019 at 12:13 pm

        Yes!!

        Reply
    3. Meena says

      December 06, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      Is that colour in raita only by mixing chopped beets? Or did you add any pulp?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        December 07, 2019 at 12:32 am

        Just from the beets. Longer your keep the raita, the color will continue to deepen.

        Reply
    4. Mel says

      May 30, 2020 at 5:25 am

      This look really good. Would we be able to substitute fresh beets for canned beets?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 30, 2020 at 10:17 pm

        yes!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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