5 Delicious Beetroot Recipes You'll Love
Beetroot isn't just a vibrant addition to your plate; it's packed with nutrients and can be transformed into countless delicious dishes. Whether you're a seasoned beet enthusiast or trying to integrate more beets into your diet, these five beetroot recipes are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and enrich your culinary repertoire.
1. Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad
This classic pairing brings out the best in both the beetroot and the goat cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized beetroots, roasted or boiled and peeled
- 2 cups of mixed salad greens
- 100 grams of goat cheese, crumbled
- A handful of walnuts or pecans, toasted
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Slice the beetroots into wedges or half-moons.
- Arrange the salad greens on a platter.
- Top with the beetroot slices.
- Scatter crumbled goat cheese and nuts over the beets.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
🍃 Note: A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice can add a zesty touch to this salad.
2. Beetroot Hummus
Transform traditional hummus by incorporating beetroot for a vibrant color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 small beetroots, boiled or roasted until tender
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt to taste
- Optional: water to adjust consistency
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding water to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
🍎 Note: Pair this beetroot hummus with raw vegetables, pita bread, or as a sandwich spread.
3. Beetroot and Apple Soup
This comforting soup marries the sweetness of apples with the earthy beets for a unique, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 large beetroots, peeled and chopped
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 liter of vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A dollop of sour cream for serving
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the chopped beetroot and apple, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, then simmer until beets are tender.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with more stock if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
🥄 Note: This soup is excellent served either warm or chilled, making it versatile for any season.
4. Beetroot Risotto
Infuse your classic risotto with the rich color and subtle flavor of beetroot for an elegant dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 medium beetroots, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken stock, heated
- 50 grams of Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh thyme or dill for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the rice, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed.
- Add grated beetroot, then ladle in stock, allowing each addition to absorb before adding more.
- Once cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
🌿 Note: Beetroot risotto can be paired with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement its flavors.
5. Beetroot Brownies
Adding beetroot to brownies enhances the moisture and provides a fudgy texture, making this a health-conscious dessert option.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams dark chocolate
- 200 grams butter
- 3 eggs
- 200 grams sugar
- 150 grams all-purpose flour
- 200 grams beetroot, cooked and pureed
- 50 grams cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Melt chocolate and butter in a bain-marie, then let cool slightly.
- Beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy.
- Fold in the chocolate mixture, then add beetroot puree.
- Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt, gently mixing.
- Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before cutting.
🍫 Note: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, if they last that long!
Incorporating beetroot into your recipes not only adds a burst of color but also a depth of flavor that can turn everyday meals into something special. From a simple salad to a dessert, the versatility of beetroot ensures that it can be a regular part of your diet in a delicious and nutritious way. Each of these recipes highlights how beetroot can enhance flavors, making your dishes visually appealing and health-promoting. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and watch how beetroot can transform your cooking!
What is the best way to store beetroot?
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The best way to store beetroot is by keeping it in the refrigerator. Trim the leaves, leaving about 2 inches of stem, as leaving too much stem will draw moisture from the root. Store them in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. They can last up to 3 weeks this way.
Can I eat beetroot leaves?
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Yes, beetroot leaves, or beet greens, are edible and nutritious. They are similar to Swiss chard in flavor and can be used in salads, sautéed, or cooked like spinach. They are rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, and minerals.
Is beetroot good for you?
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Beetroot is exceptionally good for health. It is rich in nutrients like folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. It supports heart health, can improve athletic performance, and is known for its detoxifying properties. Its high fiber content also helps with digestive health.
How can I make beetroot less earthy in flavor?
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To reduce the earthy taste of beetroot, consider pairing it with ingredients that can counterbalance its intensity. Citrus juices, vinegar, or even a bit of honey or sugar can help. Cooking methods like roasting or pickling can also mellow the flavor.
Can beetroot recipes be vegan?
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Beetroot recipes can certainly be adapted to vegan diets. For instance, in the beetroot brownie recipe, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.