Real Food: Sweet Beets.



Beets are wonderful, and beautiful, and nutritious- and get so little attention.  If the title alone has lost you, please, give beets a chance.

I like to have this in the afternoon with a pot of ginger tea. 

By the way, nearly all of the recipes I will post will be designed for one person, but you can of course multiply any of these recipes to feed a crowd.  This is one that can certainly be a great side dish for your family- perhaps with some roasted pork loin and a side of mixed greens?  Talk about an easy meal!

You also might find that you'd like your beets a bit sweeter than I have them here.  Feel free to sweeten to taste, but beets really are sweet on their own- and this dish is all about the warm spices.  Also, feel free to substitute with your favorite sugar- perhaps white or brown, but I'd avoid using Stevia or honey here.  You really need true sugar to create a caramelizing effect with the coconut oil.

Sweet Beets

Prep Time: 5 min.

Total Time: 12 min.

Serves: 1

Calories: 98

Ingredients:

1 Beet, peeled and sliced

2T water

1t Unrefined Coconut Oil (I like Nutiva best)

1t Spices*

1t Raw Sugar

1.  Peel the beet and slice thinly and evenly; perhaps use a mandoline or the slicer on the side of your box grater.  Be careful!

2. Place the slices in a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 T water and cover.  Microwave on high for 5 minutes. This flash-steams the beets.

3.  Meanwhile, heat 1t unrefined coconut oil in a skillet over medium high heat.  Add the steamed beets to the skillet and toss to coat with the oil.  Cook, stirring often, until the beets are tender, about 3-5 minutes. 

4.  Add the sugar and toss to coat.  Allow the sugar to dissolve, stirring often, about 1 minute.  Toss in your spice blend and turn to coat, stirring constantly, until the spices toast and become quite fragrant, about 1-2 more minutes.  Everything will begin to thicken up and get "sticky" by this point.  Serve.

* You can add your favorite warm spices in any combination.  Perhaps try cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, pumpkin pie spice, or even a bit of cayenne thrown in for kick.  Fresh ginger is also great here if you have it.