Top Delicious and Healthy "Taro" Recipes You Can Try At Home

By Emily Taylor

The root of deliciousness lies in the dexterity of preparation. A less talked-about root vegetable handled with smartness can turn it into the most-invited delicacy on the dining table.

Meet Taro, a primarily root vegetable, often found in Southern Indian and Southeast Asian kitchens.

Here are some easy recipes that can get you familiar with the taste of taro.

1. Taro and White Bean Curry

Taro is the star here with beans as its co-star; you are bound to fall in love with it. As the preparation is oil-free and easy to cook, it is going to list into your healthy eating tricks.

Things you will require:

• 2 cups of Taro (root, peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of White Beans (soaked and boiled)
• 1 cup of Coconut (fresh or frozen)
• 5-10 black Peppercorns
• Two springs of fresh Curry Leaves
• Salt to taste

Let’s Cook!

1. Wash Taro until most of the slime drains out. (Place it in a pot with salted water. Drain it after boiling it for some time and keep aside.)
2. Place coconut and black pepper in a grinder. (Add water and grind into a paste.)
3. Put the coconut-pepper mixture in the pot of Taro. (Add some water (if required) and salt to taste, boil the mixture. Add curry leaves and simmer until it leaves aroma.)
4. Serve hot with Rice or Roti.

2. Braised Taro with Dried Shrimps

Divine is the feeling when hunger meets a tasty food. This classic dish will prove to be a treat to your tummy.

Things you will require:

• 500 gm. of Taro
• 50 gm. of dried Shrimps
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 3 Shallots (chopped)
• A Stalk of Spring Onion
• 2 tbsp. of Oil
• For Seasoning:
  • 1/2 tsp. of Salt (cut down if you add water used for soaking shrimps)
  • 1/2 tsp. of Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. of Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. of Chicken stock granules.

Let’s Cook!

1. Peel Taro and cut into cubes. (Pat it dry after washing it.)
2. Wash the dried Shrimps and soak them till they are soft (Retain the water used for soaking.)
3. Heat up a pan and add oil over low heat. (Add soaked shrimps, chopped garlic, and chopped shallots. Sauté it till it leaves a fragrance.)
4. Pour in 600 ml. Water that includes water of soaked shrimp. (Add Taro and boil it.)
5. Sprinkle the seasonings, quickly stir and mix properly. (Put a lid on it and let it simmer for 2 minutes on low heat.)
6. Remove the lid and stir till water fully evaporates. (Sprinkle some spring onions.)
7. Serve!

3. Taro Pancakes

Love pancakes? Try this tasty and healthy serve.

Things you will require:

• 1 cup of Taro (freshly shredded)
• 1 tsp. of Flour
• 2 tbsp. of Oil
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Sour Cream

Let’s Cook!

1. Toss Taro, flour mixed with salt and pepper. (Mix it well)
2. Heat 2 tbsp. of oil in a skillet. (Use a tablespoon to drop taro mixture into it, cook over medium heat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it is golden and crisp.)
3. Flip the mixture and repeat. (This time cook for about a minute.)
4. Pour out and dry it with napkins or paper towel.
5. Repeat the process for the remaining mixture.
6. Serve hot with sour cream.

4. Oven Baked Taro Chips

If you like chips, here is one that you wouldn’t have to sneak anymore.

Things you will require:

• 1 Taro root
• Vegetable oil Spray
• Salt to taste

Let’s Cook!

1. Pre-heat your oven up to 400 degrees.
2. Peel and slice Taro into very thin pieces and spray oil on their both sides. (Use as less oil as possible.)
3. Place it in the oven, bake for about 20-25 minutes till it turns golden brown.
4. Take it out and let it cool. Relish!

5. Taro Fries with Coriander Pesto

Whether its taste or the health factor, this recipe stands ahead of many.

Things you will require:

• 500 g of Taro
• 1/2 cup of blended olive oil and vegetable oil
• A Lemon
• A bunch of Coriander leaves
• 6 Garlic cloves
• 1 tsp. of dry Chili flakes (optional)

Let’s Cook!

1. Peel and cut the Taro in the shape of French fries. (Squeeze half a lemon in a bowl of water and soak Taro.)
2. Wash and dry the coriander leaves and mince them as fine as possible.
3. Put chopped garlic in a blender with a pinch of salt, make a paste.
4. Boil a pot of water and add salt to it. (Drop taro and let it simmer till cooked. Strain them and place on a paper towel to dry.)
5. Heat a large pan and add the blended oil to it. (Add boiled taro and fry until crispy. Add coriander, garlic paste and chili flakes (if using) and stir for a few seconds till mixed well.)
6. Serve warm with extra lemon (if needed).

Add these recipes to your cookery talent and impress your friends and family at the dining table. You may root an altogether different appetite in them. So, what are you waiting for?