Balsamic Beets and Beet Greens

You probably know that beets are good for you, but did you know that beet greens are even more nutritious than the beets themselves? These rich greens are packed with vitamin C, calcium and iron as well as the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein.

Beet roots have the highest sugar content of any vegetable which makes them sweet and delicious. But they are also highly nutritious. They contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer.

Buying beets with the large, dark purple and green leaves intact is like buying two wonderful vegetables for the price of one. So don’t throw the greens away! These earthy greens are fresh and delicious. They have a hint of the sweet taste of beets while being mild and non-bitter like spinach or chard. Try them in your green smoothies, steamed, or sautéed like our Collard Greens recipe.

In this recipe, from the book Greens Glorious Greens, by Johnna Albi and Catherine Walthers, the beets and the greens are eaten together. This nutritious side dish is so scrumptious that I (Cindy) have eaten nearly the whole batch in one sitting! It’s like a dessert to me and I crave these beets and beet greens.

Ingredients:*

(use organic whenever possible)

2 bunches beets with greens (about 6 medium beets)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

sea salt to taste

1 red onion

¼ cup walnuts

1. Separate the beets from the greens. Wash greens thoroughly, cut into strips and set aside.
2. Scrub the beets and place whole in a steamer to cook until tender – 30-40 minutes.
3. Peel beets by running under cold water, then cut into bite-size pieces. Toss with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt.
4. Slice onion into thin half moons. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté onions for 3 minutes. Add sliced greens and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, until wilted.
5. Just before serving add beets to the beet greens and heat 1 to 2 minutes. Serve beets and greens garnished with chopped walnuts.

Serves 4

*Recipe adapted from Greens Glorious Greens: More than 140 Ways to Prepare All Those Great-Tasting, Super-Healthy, Beautiful Leafy Greens