Most people don’t eat beets on a regular basis; a month ago I was one of those people. I had beets that were juiced and mixed with other fruits and vegetables, but never had them on their own. However, I was at the farmer’s market one day, and caught up in the pseudo-crunchy environment, I purchased 3 beets. As I walked home, I was excited about my beets, but realized I had NO IDEA what to do with them. Enter, my trusty friend, google. I think I might know more about beets then any other vegetable now. That either speaks to my knowledge about beets, or my lack of knowledge on any other vegetable, I’ll let you be the judge of that So, here is some of the information I found about beets; you can read it, or skip down to the recipe, whatever works for you.
Note: I can’t write a post about beets and not mention one of my favorite blogs on the net, Eat Your Beets. Trisha’s writing is inspiring and her photography breathtaking; I highly recommend checking out her blog.
Nutritional Value
Beets…
- are a source of phytonutrients that defend against inflammation, serve as antioxidants and aid in detoxification.
- are an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin B & Vitamin C.
- are a non-starchy vegetable; meaning they contain less carbohydrates.
- contain betalains, a unique antioxidant that is currently being studied for it’s potential use in fighting cancer.
A lesser known fact; you can cook and eat the leaves of the beets, as well as the bulbs! They rival spinach in taste and nutritional qualities. The leaves contain high quantities of…
- Protein
- Fiber
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6
- Magnesium
- Potassium
This recipe is sweet and like a root vegetable candy. Our two-year old inhaled her’s and then asked to eat Mommy’s beets. Fair warning: fingerrs may be stained red after eating these.
Enjoy this highly nutritious, affordable, fairly simple, toddler approved recipe! Tag me on Instagram with a picture of your beets; I’d love to see them!
- 4 Red Beets
- 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp. Chopped Mint Leaves
- 1 Tbsp. ghee
- 1 tsp. crushed garlic
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 a lemon
- Pre-heat the oven to 350*
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Cut the greens off the beets; set aside
- Rinse and peel the beet bulbs
- Slice the beet bulbs; about 1/4 inch thick
- Toss the sliced beet bulbs in the coconut oil and salt to taste
- Lay the beet bulbs on the baking sheet; sprinkle with mint leaves
- Bake for 35 minutes
- Meanwhile...
- Rinse the leaves
- Cut the leaves into quarters; set aside
- In a skillet, at medium heat, heat the ghee
- Add the garlic, sautee for 1-2 minutes
- Add the leaves and salt
- Saute for 1-2 minutes; then add the juice of the lemon
- Saute for 1-2 more minutes
- Serve Immediately
and they’re very good for detoxing your body as well!
Ironically I have beets sitting in my frig and I have been meaning to find a way to use them. They feel a little intimidating to me simply because I don’t have any experience with them. I’m excited to give this recipe a try! Easy and right up my alley!! Thanks for exploring and sharing!
Oh! That looks really good! Must try this.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Great idea with adding the mint leaves to the beets!!!! Will have to try these!!
I will admit, beets have always turned me off. But you’ve made them look fabulous! Seriously going to have to try these now. Thanks!!
Never would have thought to cook beets like this. I haven’t cooked much with them, but borscht, the authentic stuff, is divine. I may have to incorporate more beets into my family’s diet!
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE beets. Especially marinated ones- I can eat them right out of a jar. I just love the texture and taste so much. I am going to have to try your method of cooking them!
I actually haven’t tried beets! I will have to try this recipe with my daughter!
I do this as well. I love beets and even went through a beet phase hahaha I love every part including the greens, they are so perfect sauteed just like how you did. Thanks for remiding me, I need to re-introduce beets back into my life after over-doing it a while back.
I love beets! Never had them roasted though…they sound delicious!
I’ve never tried cooking beets, and you make them look so delicious! I just may try this one!
I love beets! I love just simply boiling them. They’re the best in salads. I could eat them everyday.