Looking for easy kichadi recipes for this year’s sadya?
Then how about trying out this easy pavakka/bitter gourd kichadi & beetroot kichadi?
It is easy to prepare and is high on taste and nutritional benefits. Don’t let the vegetables used change your mind. The end results are yummy and will make you look at the bitter gourd and beetroot in a whole new way.
I love festivals!
Earlier, it meant a chance to sample sumptuous and lip smacking delicacies by my mom and grandma. Now that I am a mom, festivals mean recreating the delicacies (and often wondering if I will ever get it right) and also a walk down the lane of memories.
Each year, we add to the string of lovely memories. Onam is coming up, so complement the memories you make with some yummy food.
The recipes that we bring to you today aren’t tough to make and can be managed if your cutting and cooking skills are just average. In short, it will take a lot to mess this up.
Note, I have used two vegetables that aren’t loved by many. The reason, it’s festive season folks, so everyone and every vegetable need to be shown some love!!!!
Kichadi vs. pachadi
Ok, I am entering murky waters now. Pachadi and kichadi are both important to any sadya. I can confidently state that no Kerala sadya will be complete without these two side dishes. But the difference between the two is something that confuses many.
The difference between the two lies in the inclusion of mustard with coconut while grinding. Kichadi uses mustard for tempering only. That being said, you will find variations where coconut isn’t added or where mustard is added.
So which is the right way to make it? Well, I feel, the right way is the way you like it! The recipes given here is how I prepare it at home.
Note, the pachadi I spoke about here is different from the sweet pachadi that is prepared in other south Indian states.
Pavakkai/ bitter gourd benefits:
If you are anti-bitter gourd, I urge you to make this dish. Just a taste and that will be the end of your bitter gourd hating days.
Before we get to making the dish, let us look at the benefits of bitter gourd.
- Benefits people with diabetes
Regular consumption of bitter gourd can help to bring the blood sugar levels of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
- Helps to reduce cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy
Our lifestyle makes us susceptible to high cholesterol. But adding bitter gourd to our diet will ensure that our cholesterol levels remain low.
Also read – How to reduce cholesterol naturally with these 7 foods.
- Source of vitamin K
Bitter gourd is also rich in vitamin K. It helps in clotting of blood and is good for the bones.
- Has anti-inflammatory benefits
The anti-inflammatory benefits of bitter gourd are good for patients suffering from arthritis. It is also good for reducing joint pain.
- Purifies blood
Bitter gourd has the ability to purify our blood. It helps in flushing out toxins. This in turn leads to clearer and glowing skin.
- Helps fight kidney stones
The acids in bitter gourd are said to help in breaking down kidney stones.
- Beneficial for the liver
Liver functions can be boosted if you consume bitter gourd regularly.
- Good for weight watchers
Benefits without any side effects, which is what bitter gourd entails.
The vegetable is high in nutrients but not so high in calories, which makes it a must have vegetable for those who are looking at reducing weight. It is also boosts your metabolism.
- Boosts immunity
If you have been falling sick often, then you should eat bitter gourd as it is known to increase immunity power and decrease instances of you falling sick.
Benefits of beetroot:
Like bitter gourd, beetroot is also not a hot favourite at home. My husband who is non-fussy when it comes to food, scrunches his face when he sees any beetroot dish. (But, bitter gourd happens to be his kryptonite!)
- Good for the circular system
Beetroot helps to cut down cholesterol, reduce chances of stroke, heart attack and also helps in lowering blood pressure.
- Good for the brain
Consumption of beetroot daily is said to bring down loss of memory.
- Contains anti-oxidants
It contains beta cyanine which is an anti-oxidant. It helps to boost the immunity and keeps the skin healthy.
- Promotes healthy bowel movement
Beetroot is rich in fiber so it is good for your digestive system too.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Beetroot helps to reduce inflammation.
- A good pre-workout drink
Beetroot has the ability to stimulate the blood vessels, which helps to enhance your performance. Even if you aren’t looking at working out, you can have some beetroot juice if you are feeling drained.
Easy Kichadi Recipes:
The kichadi is not related to the khichdi in anyway, but the thing they have in common is the fact that they are both good for you!
Pavakka Kichadi Recipe
Let us now look at how to make pavakka/bitter gourd pachadi.
Start by slicing the bitter gourd into two.
Then remove the seeds. You can use a spoon to remove the seeds.
Chop it into small pieces.
The smaller, the better. This way it will become crispy faster.
The next step is to fry this in some oil till it is crispy. Add green chillies along with bitter gourd. Don’t let the pavakka/ bitter gourd burn though.
Once that is done, you can keep it aside.
Grind the coconut into a fine paste by adding some water. Don’t make it too watery, or else your dish will end up being too runny.
Take the yoghurt and add the ground coconut and some salt and whisk it. Heat it on the stove, don’t let it boil too much or else the curd will curdle. Take it off the stove. Check on the fried bitter gourd, if it has cooled, add it to the curd.
Next you can get the tempering ready. Heat oil in a kadai, add mustard and wait for it to splutter. Add the red chilli and curry leaves.
Add it to the curd and bitter gourd mix and cover it. This is so that the flavours are infused into the dish.
There you go, easy peasy isn’t it?
Note: You can use some tissue/ clean cloth to gently pat the cut bitter gourd to remove the moisture before you fry it.
Beetroot Kichadi recipe
You can make kichadi without adding coconut too. But since it’s festival season, let us not skimp on anything. It is yummy and easy to prepare.
If you are looking at a big sadya, this dish is one of the dishes that won’t tire you out!
Start by finely chopping or grating the beetroot. Cook it with a bit of salt and cut green chillies, till tender.
Grind the coconut as mentioned in the recipe above. Whisk in the curd and some salt. Mix the curd-coconut mixture and beetroot.
Heat it on the stove, but do not let it boil. A minute or two on the stove should be fine. Add the tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chilli. Don’t forget to check and adjust the salt.
Also read:
Mambazha pulissery recipe- how to make mambazha pulissery.
Pineapple pachadi recipe – Onam special.
Palada pradhaman recipe- how to make palada pradhaman
Hope you liked these easy kichadi recipes. Do try it out and let me know how you liked these recipes and don’t forget to let us know if this was a hit with your li’l ones too!
Happy Onam!!!
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