Three New Ways to Eat Beets
Beets: love them or hate them?
If you said, "hate them," I hope you’ll give them another try prepared in a new way.
With their hard flesh, vibrant juice and earthy flavor, beets can be an intimidating vegetable. However, they are worth the culinary learning curve. Beets offer benefits that span from lower blood pressure to better exercise endurance.
Here are three fresh ways to enjoy this earthy root veggie:
GRILLED
Summer is the perfect time to try beets on the barbecue. The heat caramelizes and sweetens these bright discs, and the charred flavor helps temper their earthiness. Wash and peel the outer skin with a vegetable peeler. Slice beets into 1/4-inch discs and toss in olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill discs over medium-high heat until char marks form (about 5 minutes), then flip and grill the other side until tender (about 5 minutes). Serve atop salads, in sandwiches, or paired with a dip as an appetizer.
GRATED
Yes, beets can be eaten raw! Wash and peel the outer skin with a vegetable peeler. In a food processor, pulse beets until shredded (be careful not to puree!), or grate beets by hand with a grater. Grated beets make a sweet and crunchy salad. Dress the beets with a citrusy vinaigrette dressing.
BLENDED
Cocoa Beet Banana Soft Serve - a creative and nourishing summer treat. The flavors of chocolate and beets play well together and the bananas add creaminess and sweetness.
Cocoa Beet Banana Soft Serve
1 large beet, washed and trimmed
3 bananas, peeled and frozen
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ - ¾ cup nondairy milk
Small pinch of salt
Steam beet until fork tender throughout, let cool, and peel (peeling is easier after the beet is cooked). Combine ingredients in a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Slowly add extra milk to achieve desired consistency. Enjoy immediately.
Kayli Dice, MS, RDN is a plant-based dietitian, writer and founder of Gather, a series of plant-based cooking classes, workshops and supper clubs. She co-writes the recipe blog The Plant Eaters’ Manifesto with her husband.
