Beetroot Thoran Recipe – Kerala Style Beetroot Stir Fry

post modified on September 3


Written by Puja

Beetroot Thoran Recipe is a Kerala side dish made with finely chopped beetroot and lots of grated coconuts. The addition of coconut oil in this recipe gives this dish an amazing taste. (step-by-step-recipe-video)

beetroot thoran

About Kerala Beetroot Thoran Recipe:

Beetroot Thoran is a combination of beetroot, coconut, and some India Spices. In Kerala, any vegetable that is stir-fried along with grated coconut is called “Thoran”.

This recipe is also known as beetroot poriyal in Tamil Nadu and is often prepared in a very similar way. The only difference is in the tempering and spices used.

Beetroot is rich in iron, folate, and fiber, making it a great choice for everyday cooking.

When paired with coconut and curry leaves, it becomes a wholesome side dish that you can enjoy with rice, dal, or sambar.

Personally, I like Beetroot Thoran more when it is served with Boiled Rice, Kerala Moong Dal Parippu, Papadam, and Ghee. I just love this combination.

The addition of this recipe to your normal diet gives you lots of health benefits. This recipe has the goodness of beetroot and coconut both.

So do try this beetroot coconut stir fry recipe and let me know how it turned out for you.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve this beetroot curry Kerala style with steamed rice, sambar, parippu or rasam.

It also makes a light side dish for chapati or phulka.

Add it as one of the vegetable sides for your festive sadya meals.

Storage Suggestion:

Best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor.

If storing, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Reheat in a pan before serving, but do not microwave, as it may dry out the coconut.

Pro Tips:

Chop the beetroot finely so it cooks faster and blends well with coconut.

Always cook on low to medium heat to retain the natural color of beetroot.

Do not add too much water; just sprinkle lightly to soften the beetroot, if needed.

Use fresh coconut for authentic flavor. Frozen or desiccated coconut will change the taste.

Why You Should Make Beetroot Poriyal:

It is quick, simple, and takes less than 20 minutes.

A great way to include beetroot in your daily diet.

Perfect for Onam sadya or everyday meals.

Vegan, gluten-free, and full of nutrients.

beetroot thoran

Looking For Some More Recipes Like This:

Carrot Beans Thoran

Mathanga Thoran Recipe

Chena Thoran Recipe

Beetroot Pachadi Recipe

Subscribe for More Deliciousness!

I hope you liked this recipe and are excited to try this Kerala Beetroot Stir Fry!

Subscribe to my email list to ensure you’re the first to get these recipes.

You’ll receive updates and new recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s the best way to keep up with all the tasty things happening here. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today and join our community of food lovers!

beetroot thoran

Basic Ingredients Used to Make This Recipe:

Beetroot: Beetroot is the key ingredient. Finely chopped for a nice bite and vibrant look.

Coconut (grated): Essential for a proper beetroot coconut stir fry.

Garlic: Adds rustic aroma and flavor.

Turmeric powder: For earthy flavor and natural color.

Red chilli powder: To balance the sweetness of beetroot.

Curry leaves: A must-have in South Indian cooking.

Mustard seeds: Tempered in coconut oil for flavor.

Coconut oil: The authentic choice for Kerala recipes.

Salt: To taste.

How to Make Beetroot Coconut Stir Fry:

Let us learn how to make this Kerala Beetroot Stir Fry with my easy to follow step by step method. You can download the below recipe card for easy reference.

beetroot thoran

Beetroot Thoran Recipe

Beetroot Thoran is a Kerala side dish made with finely chopped beetroot and with lots of grated coconut. The addition of coconut oil in this recipe gives this dish an amazing taste.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Save Recipe! Rate
Share on Facebook
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: beetroot thoran recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Puja

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Beetroot Medium Size, finely chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic roughly crushed
  • 1 cup Coconut grated
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
  • Curry Leaves few
  • 1-2 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat coconut oil in the kadhai.
  • Add mustard seeds to it. Let it splutter.
  • Once the mustard seeds start spluttering add curry leaves to it and fry for few seconds.
  • Add chopped beetroot and give it a nice stir. Keep the flame low, cover and let it cook.
  • In the meanwhile, in a plate add grated coconut, crushed garlic, turmeric powder, salt, and red chilli powder. Mix everything well with your hand.
  • Once the beetroot gets cooked, add the coconut mixture to it and mix well.
  • Cook for few more minutes stirring in between.
  • Once done switch off the gas.
  • Serve hot along with hot rice and any curry of your choice.
  • But this side dish goes really well along with Kerala parippu, boiled rice and papadam.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Beetroot Thoran Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Sodium 69mg3%
Potassium 320mg9%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 225IU5%
Vitamin C 5.2mg6%
Calcium 20mg2%
Iron 1.3mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Post a picture to Instagram & Mention @thetastesofindia or tag #thetastesofindia!

Frequently Asked Question About this Recipe:

Can I make beetroot thoran without coconut?

Yes, but the authentic flavor comes from coconut. You can use ground peanuts or roasted gram powder as an alternative.

What is the difference between beetroot thoran and beetroot poriyal?

Both are similar stir-fries. Thoran is the Kerala version, usually cooked in coconut oil, while poriyal is the Tamil Nadu version, sometimes with slight spice variations.

Is beetroot thoran served during Onam Sadya?

Yes, it is often part of the vegetarian feast along with other thorans, pachadi, and curries.

What can I serve beetroot thoran with?

It goes best with steamed rice, rasam, or sambar, but also pairs well with chapati.

Can I make beetroot thoran with grated coconut from the freezer?

Yes, you can use frozen grated coconut if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it before use. However, fresh coconut gives the best flavor and aroma.

How do I keep beetroot thoran bright in color?

Cook it on low to medium heat and avoid adding too much water. Overcooking makes the beetroot lose its vibrant red color.

Can I add green chilies instead of red chili powder?

Yes, some versions of Kerala beetroot stir fry use slit green chilies instead of red chili powder. You can even use both for extra flavor.

Is beetroot thoran healthy for weight loss?

Yes, it is naturally low in fat (when cooked with minimal oil) and high in fiber, making it a good option for weight management. Pair it with steamed rice or millet for a balanced meal.

Can I pack beetroot thoran in a lunch box?

Yes, it makes a great side dish for lunch boxes. Just let it cool before packing, and avoid adding too much coconut oil so it stays fresh longer.

Can I make beetroot thoran without garlic?

Yes, if you don’t eat garlic, you can skip it. The recipe still tastes great with just coconut, curry leaves, and spices.

My Recommended Product:

When making any Kerala-style stir fry like this beetroot thoran recipe, fresh coconut makes all the difference.

Grating coconut by hand can be time-consuming, which is why I recommend using a coconut scraper.

It not only saves time but also gives finely grated coconut, which blends beautifully into the thoran.

I personally find it very handy while making not just beetroot thoran but also aviyal, cabbage thoran, and other Kerala dishes.

You can check out my favorite coconut scraper below,

I only recommend products I’ve personally used or truly believe in for home cooking.

You can even check out my PAGE on Amazon, where you will find my favorite kitchen tools, Appliances, Accessories, and more HERE.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.

Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.

I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

You Might Also Want to Try:

Nadan Kerala Parippu Curry

Nadan Kerala Parippu Curry is a traditional Kerala dish made with Moong Dal and is an essential part of every Sadya (feast) in Kerala.
Check out this recipe
kerala parippu curry

Mathanga Erissery Recipe (Pumpkin Coconut Curry)

Check out this recipe
Mathanga Erissery Recipe

Kerala Inji Theeyal Recipe

Inji Theeyal Recipe is tangy and salty side dish recipe that is usually served in Onam Sadya. Inji Theeyal Recipe goes really well along with boiled rice, moong dal parippu, beetroot thoran, papadam, and ghee.
Check out this recipe
Inji Theeyal Recipe

Kadumanga Achar

Kadumanga Achar Recipe is an Instant Mango Pickle Recipe from South India that is quick to make and tastes great with rice and curry.
Check out this recipe
Kadumanga achar

Instant Lemon Pickle

Instant Lemon Pickle Recipe is a spicy and tangy Kerala style pickled recipe made with lemons. This lemon pickle gives a unique flavor and is good for digestion.
Check out this recipe
instant lemon pickle

If you liked this Beetroot Thoran Recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #TheTastesofIndia.

Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let us know what you thought. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our recipes and providing you with the best culinary experiences.

So, if you have any tips, suggestions, or variations you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to do so. And don’t forget to share the recipes on your favorite social network sites. 

Happy Cooking!!! 

A self-proclaimed Champion Cook, who gets the confidence from the love and praises showered upon me by my family consisting of a Cute little Daughter and a husband who loves the Internet more than me (LoL..) and who incidentally happens to be the man behind the technical aspects of this blog.
I love working from home and the benefits that come from it and that is why I started this blog where I document all my adventures with cooking.
Follow me on my journey..

Read More Articles:

Methi Mathri Recipe - Secrets to Making Crispy Atta Mathri (No Maida)

Want to receive Recipe updates into your inbox every week?

  • No more missing out on our latest recipes
  • Save your recipe emails for referring to it in the future
  • No fluff or, spam. Just pure value
Signup for today!
You will get one short email per week. You can unsubscribe anytime.
>