If you’re watching your weight or trying to lose weight, you may have heard that beets are a no-no. Unless you are truly sugar-sensitive, there is no reason this fabulous phytochemical-rich food should be off limits. In fact, for weight management, try eating them — the greens included — frequently and forgo dessert instead.
See my “Awesome Autumn Salad” as well. It’s filling, bursting with flavor and nutrients and is a great meal this month, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Can’t Beet This Pasta!
by Susan Greeley, MS, RD
3-4 whole beets with greens
10 ounces penne or bowties (Barilla plus or whole grain pasta)
4 Tb. Olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled.
salt to taste
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- Put water in a large pot and heat over med-high heat.
- Cut the stems & leaves off the beets. Rinse and chop stems into 1-inch chunks. Cut leaves.
- Peel the beets and cut into large chunks. Add just the stems and leaves to water, lightly salt and bring to a boil.
- Add the beets and simmer about 5-8 minutes.
- Bring to a boil again, and add the penne or bowties. Boil for 8 minutes. Drain all in a colander.
- Transfer hot beets, greens & pasta to a large serving bowl. Crush the garlic over them. Add 1-2 Tb. Olive oil, stir and salt to taste.
- Toss with Parmesan cheese and remaining 2 Tb. olive oil if desired. Salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Beet/Meatloaf
by Susan Greeley, MS, RD
Don’t be frightened by the color on this. It’s actually quite delicious, particularly if served with homemade mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and a big arugula salad.
1/2 – 2 lbs. Grass-fed ground beef
1 large beet, peeled and chopped into very small chunks
2 eggs
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl combine all beef, eggs, ginger, garlic powder, salt & pepper until all evenly mixed. Place in a glass loaf pan. Sprinkle top with Worcestershire sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20-30 minutes as desired. (Check to make sure it’s cooked in center.) Remove from oven, let stand a few minutes before serving.
Other options include adding some chopped fresh parsley and onion.
