Bored with your basic salad? Try these tantalizing beet recipes!

Hello there, salad lover! Are you tired of the same old salad routine? Let’s face it, a basic salad can be a bit boring. But fear not, because I have the solution- beets! Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. From golden to candy-striped, beets come in a variety of colors and have a unique earthy flavor that can take your salads to the next level.

Don’t be intimidated by beets, they are actually very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, I’ll be sharing some delicious beet recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. So, whether you’re a beet fanatic or a beet newbie, these recipes are sure to make your salads more exciting!

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Introduction: A Delicious Root Vegetable – Beet

Beets, a versatile root vegetable, have been enjoyed by many since ancient times. Cultivated all around the world, this root vegetable is known for its sweet and earthy flavor and its rich, vibrant colors that can liven up any dish. Available in a variety of colors, beets offer numerous health benefits, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty addition to their diet. In this article, we will explore some of the best beet recipes around.

What are Beets?

Beets, also known as garden beets or beetroot, are a root vegetable that grow underground. Belonging to the same family as chard and spinach, they come in a variety of colors such as red, golden, and even striped. Beets are known for their sweet and earthy taste and are full of vitamins and minerals such as folate, fiber, and potassium.

Why use Beets in Recipes?

Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses and even desserts. Their sweet and earthy flavor makes them perfect for pairing with other flavors such as goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, and citrus. Additionally, beets are incredibly nutritious, making them an excellent addition to any diet. They are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and offer numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and even boosting athletic performance.

How to Pick the Perfect Beet

When choosing beets, look for those that are firm to the touch and have a deep, rich color. Avoid any beets that have cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Remember that larger beets tend to be tougher and less flavorful, so opt for smaller, younger beets when possible. Beets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and can be prepared in a variety of ways, from roasting to steaming, boiling, or even pickling.

Roasted Beet Salad

Beets are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One of the best ways to enjoy their earthy flavor is in a roasted beet salad. This salad is easy to prepare, colorful, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

Fresh beets
Mixed greens
Candied nuts
Crumbled cheese
Balsamic dressing

When selecting beets, it’s important to choose ones that are firm, smooth, and have a deep color. Look for beets with their greens still attached, as they can be used in other dishes. Mixed greens can include a variety of lettuce, spinach, arugula, or any other leafy greens you prefer. Candied nuts can be made by toasting nuts and tossing them in a mixture of sugar and butter, or you can purchase them pre-made. Crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, adds a tangy flavor to the salad. Balsamic dressing complements the sweetness of the beets and adds a sour note.

Instructions

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is roasting the beets, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how to roast beets:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Wash the beets and trim off the stems and roots.
Wrap each beet in aluminum foil, adding a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake them for about 1 hour or until they’re soft and tender.
Let them cool before peeling the skin off.
Chop the beets into bite-sized pieces.

Once the beets are ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Here’s how to do it:

Put mixed greens in a bowl.
Add the roasted beets on top.
Sprinkle the candied nuts and crumbled cheese on top of the greens and beets.
Drizzle some balsamic dressing over the salad.
Toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Variations

To make this salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply season the protein of your choice with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Grill or pan-fry the protein until it’s cooked through, then slice it and add it to the salad. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can add chickpeas or tofu for protein.

You can also play around with the dressing by using different types of vinegar or adding honey for extra sweetness. Try using a raspberry or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor. You can also add diced apple or pear for a fruity twist.

This roasted beet salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing. Give it a try and enjoy all of the benefits that beets have to offer!

Beet Hummus

Beet hummus is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional hummus. The addition of beets not only gives the dip a beautiful, vibrant color but also adds an earthy sweetness to the flavor. Below is a simple recipe for beet hummus that can be easily customized to your liking.

Ingredients

To make beet hummus you will need:

1 large roasted beet
1 can of chickpeas
2 tablespoons of tahini
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

To make the beet hummus, follow these simple steps:

First, roast the beet. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Wash the beet and place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
Once the beet is roasted, let it cool slightly before removing the skin. Cut the beet into small pieces and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
Add the roasted beet to the food processor and blend until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until you reach your desired consistency.

You can serve the beet hummus immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Garnish with chopped herbs, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Variations

If you want to change up the flavor of your beet hummus, try adding one of these variations:

Roasted Red Pepper Beet Hummus: Add a roasted red pepper to the food processor along with the roasted beet for an extra kick of flavor.
Balsamic Beet Hummus: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the roasted beet before blending it into the hummus for a tangy twist.
Spicy Beet Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno for a spicy kick.

Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect beet hummus recipe.

Beet Chips

Beet chips are an easy and delicious way to snack on a healthy vegetable. This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients

To make beet chips, you will need fresh beets, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Choose beets that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results.

Instructions

The first step in making beet chips is to slice the beets thinly. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or use a mandoline for even slices. Be careful when slicing the beets, as they can be tough to cut.

Next, toss the beet slices in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Ensure that every piece is coated with the oil and spices.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the beet slices in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.

Bake the beet chips for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and slightly browned on the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

Variations

If you want to take your beet chips up a notch, try adding some additional seasonings or toppings. Some popular variations include:

Salt and vinegar: Sprinkle the beet chips with a mixture of salt and vinegar before baking.
Garlic and herbs: Add some garlic powder and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the olive oil and toss the beet slices before baking.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the beet chips before baking for a savory twist.

Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Beet chips can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or used as a substitute for traditional potato chips. They are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and satisfy your cravings for something salty and crunchy.

5. Beet Smoothie

Beet smoothie is a perfect way to give your body a healthy dose of nutrients. This smoothie is a delicious combination of roasted beets, banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, and honey. Here’s how you can make this smoothie at home.

Ingredients

1 roasted beet
1 banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey

To roast the beet, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut off the stem and leaves of the beet, wash and wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. Bake the beet in the oven for around 45-60 minutes or until it becomes tender and easy to peel. Once the beet is roasted, let it cool for a few minutes. Peel off the skin and cut the beet into small pieces.

Instructions

Add the roasted beet, banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, and honey into a blender. Blend all the ingredients together until they become smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Variations

If you want to make your smoothie even more nutritious, add a handful of spinach to the blender. This will give your smoothie an extra boost of nutrients without affecting the taste.

If you want to make your beet smoothie into a dessert-like treat, try this variation. Top your beet smoothie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This will make it taste like a decadent dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

So why not try this beet smoothie recipe at home and enjoy the goodness of roasted beets in a delicious, creamy drink? It’s an excellent way to start your day or boost your afternoon energy levels.

Until Next Time

We hope these tantalizing beet recipes have inspired you to dive deeper into the world of colorful and flavorful salads. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless! Thanks for reading and happy cooking.