Few vegetables are as nutritious or as versatile as beets. You can use them for smoothies, pasta and even for raitas! Packed with essential nutrients, including fibre, vitamins, and minerals, beets offer a range of health benefits. Beets are a good source of essential nutrients, including folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. They are also a rich source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health, helps maintain a healthy weight, and contributes to heart health.
Beets also contain antioxidants, such as betalains and anthocyanins, which have been associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body. Needless to say, adding them to your diet can boost your health in significant ways. Here are some creative and delicious ways to include beets in your daily diet.
Make A Beet Hummus
Transform traditional hummus into a stunning and nutritious condiment by adding beets. Simply roast or boil beets until tender, then blend them with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result is a vibrant pinkish-purple hummus that not only tastes fantastic but also adds a pop of colour to your snack or appetizer spread. You can pair it with pita bread, veggie sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches. You can also store it easily over 1-2 weeks so you can make it in mid-sized batches.
Use It For Smoothies
Kickstart your day with a nutritious and refreshing beet smoothie. Blend cooked or raw beets with fruits like berries, bananas, and a splash of yoghurt or nut milk. Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and toss in some chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost. The natural sweetness of beets complements the tartness of berries, creating a delicious and nutrient-packed beverage.
Add It To Salads
You can easily elevate your salads by adding roasted beets to a bed of mixed greens. Go for a boasted beet salad with goat cheese. Roast beets until they are tender and caramelised, then slice or cube them and toss them with arugula, spinach, or your favourite salad greens. Top with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette. You can also opt for a simple olive oil dressing. The combination of earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts makes the salad really filling.
Use It As A Pasta Sauce
Using veggie sauces is a great way to make your pasta healthier, so you can have a small side of vegetarian pasta every week! Infuse your pasta with the natural sweetness and vibrant colour of beets. Puree finely shredded beets and swap your marinara sauce for this healthy beet sauce. The beets not only impart a beautiful pink hue to the dish but also add a subtle earthy sweetness. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Make A Healthy Slaw For Burgers And Sandwiches
Create a refreshing and crunchy slaw by combining shredded beets with crisp apples. Toss the shredded beets and apples with a light dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra burst of flavour. This colourful and flavorful slaw can be served as a side dish or a topping for tacos and sandwiches.
Make Chips
Do you struggle with midnight cravings? Satisfy your crunchy snack cravings with homemade beetroot chips. Slice beets thinly using a mandoline slicer, toss them in olive oil, and sprinkle with your favourite seasonings. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. Beetroot chips are not only a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips but they’re also easier to binge on.
Make Fillings For Sandwiches & Pita Pockets
You can use shredded beets or finely chopped beets and roast them to make a yummy filling which you can use in sandwiches, tacos and pita pockets. Roast beets until tender and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Mix the beets with crumbled feta, fresh herbs like mint or parsley, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Stuff the vibrant beet and feta mixture into whole wheat pita pockets. The combination of sweet beets and tangy feta, nestled in a warm pita, offers a delightful balance of flavours and textures.