Whether you love them or hate them, beets might be worth a second (or third) try.
Packed with nutrients and vitamins, these earthy, crimson-hued root veggies can do wonders for your health.
Beet Linguine
4
servingsIn this creative take on linguine, beautiful red beets contrast with pasta for a colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4
medium beets, scrubbed
- 12 ounces
linguine, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon
extra virgin olive oil
- ½
medium onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon
sea salt
- 4 ounces
feta cheese, crumbled
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Boil beets in their skins for about 45 minutes.
While beets are cooking, cook linguine in boiling water until done. Drain linguine, reserving about one cup of the liquid.
Rinse beets well under cold running water and slide the skins off. Chop beets into 1/2-inch cubes (or smaller).
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch (30 cm) nonstick skillet and add onions. Cook onions until tender and lightly browned. Add chopped beets and salt to the onions. Transfer the pasta into the skillet with the beets and onions. Stir until the pasta and the beets are well-combined.
Top with the crumbled feta cheese and the freshly ground pepper.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories—416 | Total Fat—11g | Cholesterol —25mg | Saturated Fat—5g | Sodium—677mg | Carbohydrate—65g | Dietary Fiber —4g | Protein—15g
Facts about Beets
How to Choose:
When searching for beets, bigger isn’t always better. Opt for baby beets as these will be more sweet and tender, and choose ones that are firm with taut, smooth skins. Another thing to look out for? Crisp, fresh-looking greens.
Storing Wisdom:
Cut off the greens. As with many veggies, the first step in storing beets is to give the greens a snip. Leave about an inch of stem attached, and then place beets into plastic bags for storage in the refrigerator. If you want to use the greens separately, store them in a bag, too, and place them in the fridge.
Did you know?
Beets are an excellent source of iron, making them the veggie of choice for those who suffer from anemia and fatigue. They’re also rich in potassium, which is one of the main minerals responsible for muscle contraction. This means they’re a heart-healthy choice that can help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Love 'em or leave 'em.
If you hate beets, you’re not alone. While there’s no denying their health benefits, their distinct flavor has gained them legions of lovers and loathers. One high profile couple who could do without them? President Obama and First Lady Michelle, who asked that they not be planted in the White House organic vegetable garden.
