Not only is beetroot delicious roasted, raw or stewed, it contains nitrates and magnesium as well as plenty of antioxidants, fibre, iron, calcium, vitamins A and C. Recent claims even suggest beetroot can boost exercise performance, prevent dementia and help lower blood pressure.
In case that wasn’t enough to sell you on the humble beetroot, they stimulate cell production and repair which can help your skin fight against wrinkles and premature aging.
To get more beets into your diet, make a smoothie, slice finely and put into burgers, coleslaw or chutney or check out our recipes below.
1 Raw beetroot and orange salad
To make the dressing, shake 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp wholegrain mustard, ¼ tsp sea salt and a pinch of pepper in a jar. For the salad, scrub or peel 3 beetroot and grate them into a bowl. Cut the skin and pith from 2 oranges, chop the flesh into small chunks and add to the beetroot. Add 2 sticks chopped celery, ½ cup celery leaves, 2 handfuls beetroot leaves and toss gently with the dressing. Scatter over ½ cup lightly toasted pine nuts.
2 Beetroot and lentil burgers
Peel and grate 2 beetroot; squeeze out excess water. Pulse a 400g can of lentils in a food processor until pulpy, then add to the beetroot. Stir in 200g feta, 3 sliced spring onions, 1 tbsp mint leaves, ½ tsp sumac, 2 lightly beaten eggs and 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs. Shape into 4 patties; chill for 15 minutes; fry for 4-5 minutes on each side. Spread ¼ cup harissa mayonnaise on one side of 4 bread rolls. Top with the patties, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onion and lettuce.
3 Beetroot chocolate pudding
Peel and grate 280g beetroot. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix beetroot, 4 eggs, 75g cocoa powder, 6 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp baking soda in a bowl. Pour into a lightly greased 750ml baking dish; bake for 20 minutes. For the chocolate sauce, melt
3 tbsp coconut oil and 2 tbsp honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp cocoa and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Take pudding from the oven; pour sauce on top. Bake for a further 15 minutes.
