Remove the skin of beetroot. Wash it. Dice it into equal size pieces. Keep it aside in a bowl. You can steam the beetroot after removing the skin and then dice it. I make poriyal without steaming beetroot.
Using a mortar pestle make a coarse paste of ginger and garlic. Transfer it to a bowl and set aside.
Heat oil in a stir fry pan or kadhai. Once hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), green chilli, crushed ginger and garlic. Saute for a minute or till urad dal is nicely roasted.
Add diced beetroot, salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, and stir to combine.
Add two tablespoons of water, cover the pan with the lid, and allow beetroot to cook with the steam for 2 – 3 minutes.
Open the lid, add grated coconut and freshly chopped coriander. Stir to combine.
Serve beetroot poriyal for lunch or dinner.
Video
Notes
Do not cook the poriyal for too long. especially if you are using steamed beetroot. A quick stir frying of 10 minutes is enough.