5 Best Beet Recipes

delicious beetroot culinary creations

If you're looking to enhance your meals with the vibrant flavor of beets, you might want to investigate some standout recipes. From a rejuvenating Roasted Beet Salad that pairs beautifully with feta, to a rich Beet Risotto that warms the soul, there's a world of culinary possibilities waiting for you. You'll also discover unique options like Beet Hummus and tangy Pickled Beets that can transform your appetizers. But there's one recipe that truly takes the spotlight—can you guess what it is?

Roasted Beet Salad

colorful roasted beet salad

Roasted beet salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that highlights the natural sweetness of beets, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of roasted beets with fresh greens, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as a centerpiece for a gathering. Let's explore the recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized beets
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets thoroughly, then wrap each beet in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.

Roast in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, let them cool, then peel and slice the beets into wedges.

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted beets, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Extra Tips:

When selecting beets, look for firm, unblemished ones for the best flavor. To save time, you can roast a larger batch of beets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This salad can also be customized with other ingredients such as avocado, sliced apples, or even grains like quinoa for added texture and nutrition. If you prefer a warm salad, serve the roasted beets immediately after cooking.

Enjoy exploring the delicious world of beets!

Beet Hummus

beetroot based creamy dip

Beet hummus is a vibrant and nutritious twist on the traditional chickpea dip, bringing a beautiful magenta hue and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with pita, vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches. This recipe isn't only simple to make but also a great way to incorporate beets into your diet, offering a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

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With a few basic ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up this delightful dip in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium beets, roasted and peeled
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water as needed for consistency

To prepare the beet hummus, start by roasting the beets until they're tender, which typically takes about 45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Once cooled, peel the beets and chop them into smaller pieces.

In a food processor, combine the roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil on top before serving.

When making beet hummus, feel free to experiment with the flavors by adding spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs such as parsley for an extra kick.

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can adjust the amount of tahini or olive oil to your liking. Additionally, if you have leftover hummus, it stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient and healthy snack option.

Beet Risotto

creamy beetroot rice dish

Beet risotto is a vibrant and creamy dish that showcases the earthy sweetness of beets, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.

This comforting dish isn't only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy dinner. The risotto is made with Arborio rice, which absorbs the flavors beautifully and creates a rich, velvety texture. Pair it with a sprinkle of goat cheese or fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 2 medium-sized beets, cooked and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) for garnish

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

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Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until mostly absorbed. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously, until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

Fold in the diced beets and grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an even deeper flavor, consider roasting the beets instead of boiling them. This will improve their sweetness and add a hint of caramelization.

When adding the broth, make sure it's warm to maintain the cooking temperature of the risotto. Don't rush the cooking process; the key to a perfect risotto is patience and stirring often to release the starches that create its creamy texture.

Finally, feel free to customize your risotto by adding other vegetables like spinach or asparagus for added color and nutrition.

Pickled Beets

sweet and tangy vegetables

Pickled beets are a vibrant and tangy addition to any meal, providing a burst of color and flavor. This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the earthy sweetness of beets in a pickled form, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. With just a few ingredients and some time to let the flavors meld, you can create a delicious jar of pickled beets that will boost your dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized beets
  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Begin by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place the beets in a pot and cover them with water, then bring to a boil and cook for about 30-40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, drain the beets and let them cool until you can handle them. Peel the skins off (they should come off easily) and slice the beets into wedges or rounds.

In a separate saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, ground cloves, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Pack the sliced beets into sterilized jars and pour the hot pickling liquid over them, making sure the beets are fully submerged. Seal the jars and let them cool before refrigerating. Allow the flavors to develop for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

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Extra Tips:

For improved flavor, consider adding other spices such as cinnamon sticks or garlic cloves to the pickling liquid. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, adjust the sugar to your liking.

Be sure to sterilize your jars properly to guarantee the pickled beets last longer in the refrigerator. Enjoy your pickled beets within a few weeks for the best taste, but they can last for a couple of months if stored correctly.

Beet and Goat Cheese Tart

beet and goat cheese tart

Beet and Goat Cheese Tart is a delightful dish that combines the earthiness of roasted beets with the creamy richness of goat cheese, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust.

This elegant tart is perfect for a light lunch, a stunning appetizer for a dinner party, or even a sophisticated addition to a brunch spread. It's visually appealing and packs a punch of flavor, making it a favorite for beet lovers and newcomers alike.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  • 3 medium-sized beets, roasted and peeled
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Fresh arugula, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a tart pan.

Place the pastry in the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.

While the crust is baking, slice the roasted beets into thin rounds. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Once the crust is done, layer the beet slices evenly over the pastry, then pour the egg mixture over the beets. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese on top and return the tart to the oven.

Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cheese is slightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, try roasting the beets with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before slicing them.

If you want to make the tart ahead of time, prepare it up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.

Pair the tart with a simple salad of arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a revitalizing contrast. Enjoy your culinary creation!


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