Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can bring color and flavor to your meals. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they support good health and can be prepared in various tasty ways.
Looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy beets? This article features 15 delightful beet recipes that are sure to inspire you, whether you’re a longtime beet lover or trying them for the first time. You’ll find options suitable for any occasion, from simple salads to creative desserts.
1) Beet Salad with Feta
Beet Salad with Feta is a simple yet flavorful dish. Start by roasting the beets. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each beet in aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.
Once the beets are done, let them cool before peeling off the skin. Dice the beets into small cubes. You can then place the diced beets in a large bowl.
Add crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. The tangy and creamy feta complements the earthy sweetness of the beets really well.
To finish, mix the salad with some olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This will add a nice balance of flavors to the dish.
Optionally, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley and a handful of nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for extra crunch.
This Beet Salad with Feta is perfect for a light lunch or a tasty side dish for any meal. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with other dishes at your next picnic or potluck.
2) Beetroot Hummus
Beetroot hummus is a vibrant twist on the classic chickpea dip. The addition of beets gives it a striking color and earthy sweetness. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your appetizer spread.
Start by cooking your beets. You can roast or boil them until tender. Once cooked, let them cool and peel off the skins.
In a food processor, combine cooked beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend the mixture until smooth. For a creamier texture, add a couple of ice cubes while blending.
Season with salt, cumin, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the hummus is too thick, you can add a bit of water or olive oil.
Serve your beetroot hummus with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers. This colorful dip not only looks appealing but also adds a unique flavor to your snacks. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
3) Beet and Goat Cheese Tart
A Beet and Goat Cheese Tart is a delightful dish that combines earthy beets with creamy goat cheese. The flavors work well together, creating a savory and slightly sweet taste.
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature. Roast the sliced beets until they are tender. This typically takes about 25-35 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the beet slices.
Prepare the tart base using puff pastry or a traditional pie crust. Prick the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Place it on a baking sheet.
Caramelize some onions if you want an extra layer of flavor. Spread the caramelized onions over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Arrange the roasted beets on top of the onions. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper for seasoning. Add crumbled goat cheese evenly across the tart. Fresh thyme can add a lovely touch as well.
Bake the tart until the crust is golden and the cheese is slightly melted. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Once baked, you can drizzle a bit of honey or walnut oil on top for a hint of sweetness or crunch. This will enhance the flavors of the tart even more.
Slice and serve the tart warm or at room temperature. This dish can serve as an appetizer or a light meal, perfect for any occasion.
4) Beet Chips
Beet chips are a healthy and delicious snack you can easily make at home. You start by preheating your oven. Most recipes suggest temperatures ranging from 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use a mandoline slicer to cut the beets into thin slices, about 1/16-inch thick. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife to make thin slices.
Lay the beet slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Make sure the slices are in a single layer and not touching each other.
Bake the beet slices for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they become crispy and slightly brown, but not burnt. Once done, let them cool before enjoying your crunchy beet chips!
5) Beet Soup (Borscht)
Beet soup, commonly known as borscht, is a vibrant, delicious dish that comes from Eastern Europe. The main ingredient in this soup is, of course, beets, which give it its distinct red color.
To make borscht, you start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add grated beets and sauté for about 10 minutes until they soften.
Next, you’ll add vegetable broth and water to the pot, followed by sliced potatoes and carrots. Let them cook for 10-15 minutes until they are easily pierced with a fork.
In some recipes, you might also add cabbage. Cook it along with the other vegetables for about 15 minutes. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the beets.
To finish, serve the borscht with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives on top. This adds a creamy texture and a hint of freshness. Borscht can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference. It’s nutritious and perfect for any time of year.
6) Beet Smoothie
Beet smoothies are a delicious way to add more nutrients to your diet. Beets are known for their vibrant color and health benefits. They are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
To make a beet smoothie, start by washing and peeling a raw beet. Cut it into small pieces so it blends smoothly.
You can combine the beet with fruits like bananas, apples, or berries to enhance the flavor. Adding ginger can provide a bit of spice and extra anti-inflammatory properties.
For a basic recipe, try blending one beet, a cup of frozen strawberries, half a banana, and a cup of orange juice. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add some water or ice cubes.
Experiment with other ingredients like carrots, pineapples, or spinach to vary the taste and nutrient profile. Beet smoothies are versatile and can be tailored to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
7) Beet Risotto
Beet risotto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of beets. You’ll love the creamy texture and rich color.
Start by heating a mix of butter and olive oil in a medium pot. Add finely chopped shallots and fennel. Cook until they soften.
Add diced beet and a bit of salt. Let these cook until the beet starts to become tender.
Now, add arborio rice. Stir it to coat with the oil and vegetables. Pour in white wine and let it cook until evaporated.
Next, gradually add vegetable broth. Stir constantly to help the rice absorb the liquid. This step is key for achieving that creamy consistency.
When the rice is almost done, stir in some beet puree. This gives the risotto a lovely pink hue.
Finish by adding butter and grated asiago cheese. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You now have a delicious beet risotto that’s sure to impress.
8) Beet Pickles
Pickling beets is an easy way to preserve them and add great flavor to your meals. Start by boiling or roasting beets until they are tender. You can check if they are ready by piercing them with a fork.
Once the beets are cooked, let them cool before peeling off the skins. You can use a vegetable peeler or your hands if the skins come off easily.
For the pickling liquid, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat it until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Pack the peeled beets into sterilized jars. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the beets, making sure to leave some space at the top of the jars.
Remove any air bubbles by running a thin spatula around the inside edges of the jars. Wipe the rims clean and screw the lids on tightly.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 30 minutes. This step helps to ensure that the pickles are safely preserved.
Once completed, let the jars cool. Store them in a cool, dark place. The beet pickles are ready to eat within a few days, but they develop even more flavor over time. Enjoy them as a side dish or add them to salads for a tangy twist.
9) Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Wash the beets thoroughly. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and wrap each beet in aluminum foil.
Roast the beets on a baking sheet for around 45 minutes. Check if they are done by piercing them with a knife. Let the beets cool before handling.
Once the beets are cool, gently rub off the skins. Cut the beets into 1/2 inch chunks. Peel and section the oranges, then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Place the beet chunks and the orange pieces in a large bowl. For the dressing, mix together some shallot, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit while the beets finish roasting.
Just before serving, add honey and a tablespoon of olive oil to the dressing. Stir well and pour it over the beet and orange mixture. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.
Consider adding beet greens or mixed greens to enhance the salad. This dish combines the earthy flavor of beets with the bright, tangy taste of oranges, making it a refreshing and colorful addition to your meal.
10) Beet and Quinoa Bowl
Beet and quinoa bowls are both delicious and healthy. They combine the earthy sweetness of beets with the nutty flavor of quinoa.
Start by cooking the beets. Wrap them in foil and roast at 375°F until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 40-60 minutes.
While the beets are roasting, prepare the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add the rinsed quinoa to a pot with water and salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Once the beets are done, let them cool. Peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the cooked quinoa and beets in a large bowl. You can add your favorite vegetables like carrots or greens to enhance the flavor and texture.
For a simple dressing, mix together some olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over your beet and quinoa bowl.
Mix everything together gently and your beet and quinoa bowl is ready to be enjoyed. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner and packs in a lot of nutrients.
11) Beetroot Brownies
Beetroot brownies are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your desserts. They are moist and rich, with a deep chocolate flavor.
To make beetroot brownies, you need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. You will also need beet puree, which adds a unique sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Stir them together until well mixed.
Next, you want to mix your wet ingredients. This will include your beet puree, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add these to your dry ingredients.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool before slicing. These beetroot brownies can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your homemade treat!
12) Beetroot and Apple Juice
Beetroot and apple juice is a refreshing and nutritious drink you can enjoy at any time of the day. Combining the earthy sweetness of beets with the crisp taste of apples creates a delicious balance.
To make this juice, you’ll need fresh beetroots and apples. Make sure they are washed, peeled, and chopped into small pieces.
Next, place the beetroot and apple pieces into a juicer. You can add a bit of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. If you like a smoother consistency, feel free to strain the juice to remove any pulp.
Beetroot is known for its high levels of vitamins and minerals. Apples add a touch of natural sweetness and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Together, they make a powerhouse drink that is both tasty and good for you.
Experimenting with the ratios can help you find the perfect balance for your taste buds. You might discover you like more beetroot for a stronger flavor or more apple for extra sweetness.
Enjoy your homemade beetroot and apple juice chilled or over ice for a refreshing treat. This beverage not only tastes good but also helps you stay healthy and energized.
13) Beet Pasta
Beet pasta is a colorful and tasty dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the comfort of pasta. You can make it in several different ways, depending on your preferences and the tools you have in your kitchen. The main components are usually beets, pasta, and a creamy sauce.
First, you need to cook the beets. You can roast them in the oven or boil them until they are soft. Roasting beets gives a deeper flavor, while boiling is quicker. Once the beets are cooked, let them cool and then peel off the skins.
Next, blend the beets into a smooth purée. You might need to add a little water or broth to help it blend well. For a creamy sauce, mix the beet purée with ingredients like garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese. For a vegan version, replace cream with cashews and nutritional yeast.
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, reserve some of the pasta water before draining. This water can help thin and bind the sauce to the pasta. Mix the beet sauce with the cooked pasta, adding the pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Serve the beet pasta warm, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Enjoy this vibrant and nutritious dish that is sure to impress with its unique flavor and bright color.
14) Beet Carpaccio
Beet Carpaccio is a delicious and visually appealing dish. To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash the beets thoroughly and wrap them in aluminum foil.
Roast the beets for about 1 hour, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Let them cool completely once done.
After the beets have cooled, peel off the skin. Use a mandolin or a sharp knife to slice the beets thinly. Arrange the slices on a plate.
For extra flavor, you can add toppings like whipped feta or a simple vinaigrette. To make whipped feta, blend room temperature feta and cream cheese until smooth.
Drizzle the beet slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh touch.
Serve your Beet Carpaccio as an appetizer or a light salad. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness and vibrant color of beets.
15) Beetroot Relish
Beetroot relish is a tasty addition to many dishes.
To make it, start by peeling and grating or chopping the beets into small pieces. You’ll also need onion, apple, ginger, salt, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
Combine all these ingredients in a large pot. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 30 minutes.
After cooking, let the relish simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This helps some of the excess liquid evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
You can use beetroot relish as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or even as a side for roasted meats. It’s also great with cheese platters.
Store your beetroot relish in clean jars. It will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Enjoy the vibrant color and earthy flavor it brings to your meals.
Nutritional Benefits of Beets
Beets are not only delicious but packed with nutrients that can boost your health. They contain essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds that can support your well-being.
Vitamins and Minerals
Beets are high in important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C in beets helps boost your immune system. Vitamin B9 (folate) is crucial for cell growth and function. It’s especially important during pregnancy. Manganese supports bone health and nutrient metabolism. Beets also provide potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Don’t forget about iron, essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body.
In 100 grams of beets, you’ll find approximately:
- Vitamin C: 4.9 mg
- Folate: 109 µg
- Potassium: 325 mg
- Iron: 0.8 mg
- Manganese: 0.3 mg
Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Beets are rich in betalains, powerful antioxidants that give them their vibrant color. These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage by free radicals. Betalains also have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body. This can help alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis. Drinking beet juice or including beets in your diet can offer these benefits.
Beets also contain other antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid. This compound is known to lower glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Including these nutrients in your diet supports overall health and helps fight oxidative stress.
Cardiovascular Health
Beets can have a significant impact on your cardiovascular health. They contain nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. This molecule helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow. As a result, blood pressure levels can be reduced.
A study showed that drinking beet juice can lower blood pressure within a few hours. Regular consumption of beets may support long-term heart health.
Beets also help prevent blood clot formation, as nitric oxide makes blood less sticky. This can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Adding beets to your meals, whether raw, roasted, or juiced, can be a heart-smart choice.
How to Select and Store Beets
Knowing how to choose the right beets and store them properly ensures they stay fresh, sweet, and ready for your recipes. Here’s a guide on selecting fresh beets and storing them for maximum shelf life.
Choosing Fresh Beets
Look for small to medium-sized beets, as they tend to be sweeter and less woody than larger ones. They should have deep, rich colors—typically maroon—with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid beets with cuts, bruises, or signs of mold.
Make sure the beets have their greens attached. The greens should be bright green and not wilted. The taproot should be thin, indicating a tender beet, free from extra hair-like roots that can signal toughness.
Proper Storage Techniques
Start by cutting off the beet greens, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached. Store the greens separately in a plastic bag with the air removed. Place this bag in the refrigerator and use within four days.
For the beetroots, store them in a sealed container or a silicone food storage bag. Place the container in the refrigerator’s produce drawer, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
If you’ve cooked the beets, place them in an airtight container, wrap them in plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. Cooked beets typically last up to five days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze fresh beet pieces on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them for several months.
Cooking Techniques
Different cooking methods can bring out unique textures and flavors in beets. This section covers boiling, roasting, and pickling beets, helping you choose the right technique for your dish.
Boiling
When you boil beets, it’s a simple way to make them tender. Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place the beets in a large pot, fill it with enough water to cover them, and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook the beets for about 30-45 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when a fork can easily pierce them. After boiling, let them cool slightly and peel off the skins. Boiled beets are perfect for salads, soups, or just as a side dish.
Roasting
Roasting beets deepens their natural sweetness and adds a rich flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets and trim the stems. You can roast them whole or cut into chunks. Drizzle the beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil or place cut beets on a baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, let them cool and peel off the skins. Roasted beets are excellent in salads, grain bowls, or paired with goat cheese.
Pickling
Pickling adds a tangy flavor to beets, making them a delightful addition to many dishes. Begin by boiling the beets as described above, then cutting them into slices or cubes. For the pickling brine, mix one part vinegar (such as white or apple cider vinegar) with one part water, and add sugar, salt, and spices like mustard seeds and cloves to taste. Bring the brine to a boil, then pour it over the beets in a jar. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating. Pickled beets are wonderful in sandwiches, salads, or as a tangy snack.
