10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy

When it comes to summer foods, we often talk about cucumber, bottle gourd, ridge gourd and other hydrating items. But did you know that beetroot also makes for comforting summer food, as it helps cool the body and hydrates the skin with its high water content? Beetroot is made up of about 87–88% water, making it a naturally hydrating root vegetable. According to USDA data, a 100 g serving of beetroot contains roughly 87 g of water. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, which supports detoxification and boosts energy levels, making it perfect for hot days. It also aids digestion and promotes healthy blood flow. The best thing about this root vegetable is that it can be consumed raw, blanched, cooked, baked, or even sauteed. So, choose your technique and get going with these summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and the digestive system healthy.

If salad is your go-to meal option, then this summer salad will surely tempt you. This salad is made with chilled and diced beetroot, topped with oranges, feta cheese, walnuts, and a lemon vinaigrette. It is a light, tangy, and crunchy dish that also makes for a wholesome meal.

It is a protein-rich one-bowl meal. To make it, mix cooked quinoa with roasted beet cubes, cucumber, and a light dressing of lemon, herbs, and honey. Enjoy it fresh.

It is a healthy flatbread made with beet puree kneaded into whole wheat dough, creating vibrant, soft rotis that pair well with curd or raita and salad for a wholesome meal.

It is made with grated beetroot mixed with curd, cumin powder, and a little salt. It is best served with roti or paratha as a side dish. It is a probiotic-rich, gut-friendly side dish.

If you thought soup must always be piping hot, try this cold soup called Borscht. It is a chilled, creamy soup made with pureed beets, yogurt, and herbs. It is hydrating and cooling for summer evenings and can be paired with soup sticks or bread croutons.

It is a South Indian-style stir-fry with grated beetroot, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut. It is lightly cooked for maximum nutrition. You can also add roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

It is a condiment that goes well with crackers, veggie sticks, and even bread. It is made with blended beetroot, chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic.

These are filling treats made with grated beetroot, mixed with mashed potatoes, herbs and spices, which are shaped into tikkis and then shallow-fried or baked with oats or semolina for binding. They go really well with mint chutney or stuffed into wraps.

It is a one-pot rice preparation where you temper ghee, cumin, pepper, and chili; saute diced carrots and beans; and then cook the rice along with beetroot puree and salt. Once done, serve it hot with curd and pickle on the side.

It is a one-bowl meal made with beetroot, banana, yogurt, and berries. It is topped with seeds, nuts, and granola for a light, nutritious breakfast option.