What to cook with beets: Creative recipes for a vibrant veggie

Beets, often referred to as beetroot or table beets, are one of the most nutritious vegetables available today. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, fiber, and potassium—all of which are great for overall health. Beets can be enjoyed in many ways, both cooked and raw. In this article, we’ll be looking at some creative recipes for cooking with beets that are sure to liven up any meal.

1. Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Roasting beets brings out their sweet and earthy flavor, making them perfect for salads. This recipe is simple, yet sophisticated, and is perfect for a dinner party or holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized beets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Wash, peel, and slice beets into wedges.
2. Place the beets in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beets are tender and caramelized.
4. Let them cool down before transferring to a bowl.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, salt and pepper, and serve.

2. Beet Hummus

Hummus is often made with chickpeas, but you can also make it with other vegetables. Beet hummus is a delicious and healthy way to use this vibrant vegetable.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized beets
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F. Wash and wrap beets with aluminum foil, and roast them for about 45 minutes, or until soft and tender.
2. Peel the beets and chop them into small pieces.
3. In a food processor, mix the garlic, chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Add the chopped beets, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
5. Transfer to a bowl and serve with pita chips or veggies.

3. Beet and Feta Tartlets

These savory tartlets are perfect for brunch or as an appetizer. The combination of earthy beets and tangy feta cheese is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 2 medium-sized beets, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Cut the pie crust into small circles and place them in a mini muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them for about 30 minutes or until cooked and browned.
3. Fill the pie shells with the roasted beet mixture and top with feta cheese.
4. Place back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.

4. Beet and Carrot Slaw

This slaw is a colorful and healthy side dish for any meal. It’s perfect for adding some zing to your lunchtime sandwich or your dinner plate.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized beets, peeled and grated
• 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the grated beets and carrots with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and mint and toss to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

5. Beet and Quinoa Salad

This salad is a great way to add some protein to your diet. Quinoa is a complete protein that is easy to digest, making it an excellent base for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 medium-sized beets, roasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, roasted beets, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

6. Beet and Goat Cheese Pizza

This pizza is both delicious and easy to make. The combination of beets, goat cheese, and arugula is a perfect match for this savory pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 package pizza dough
• 1 medium-sized beet, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup fresh arugula leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 °F. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet.
2. Brush the pizza with olive oil and top with sliced beets.
3. Sprinkle with goat cheese, chopped walnuts, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula leaves.

Conclusion

Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in many different ways. Whether you roast them, shred them, or blend them into a hummus, beets are an excellent addition to any meal. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them both delicious and healthy.

Common Questions and Answers:

• Q: Are beets difficult to prepare?
• A: No, beets are easy to prepare. Simply wash and peel them before slicing, shredding, or roasting them.
• Q: Do beets have any health benefits?
• A: Yes, beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, fiber, and potassium—all of which are great for overall health.
• Q: Can I use canned beets?
• A: While fresh beets are always preferred, canned beets can be used in many of these recipes as well.

References:

• “Beet Recipes.” Food Network, www.foodnetwork.com/topics/beets.
• “Beets: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Tips, and More.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-beets#2.
• “Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts.” Allrecipes, www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14253/roasted-beet-salad-with-goat-cheese-and-walnuts/.