Seasonal ingredients are often more nutritious, they tend to taste better as it’s the time of year when food is at its best, and they typically cost less. Many of them contain nutrients like folate, vitamin A, vitamin C and selenium, which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system, great for winter time. Check out our nutritional nuggets and recipe ideas that will spruce up your meals in minutes over the coming weeks.
This week we talk all things Beetroot!
Beetroot is thought to be one of the most environmentally friendly crops, as it often grows well without pesticides. Its texture and versatility mean that you can have it raw, pickle it, boil it, roast it, even create beetroot brownies using a little dark chocolate and ground almonds.
What’s in it?
✔️ A natural rich source of folate, which contributes to normal functioning of the immune system
✔️ A natural rich source of manganese, which helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress
✔️ A source of potassium, helping to maintain normal blood pressure
What to do with it?
- Pink Dip: Ditch the high fat dips and try a vibrant pink dip: Mix grated cooked beetroot with Greek-style yogurt, a dash of lime juice, a sprinkling of garlic granules and freshly chopped parsley.
- Vibrant Veg: Roasted vegetables never looked so colourful. Place layers of thinly sliced beetroot, carrots and red onion onto a greased baking tray, flavouring with black pepper and fresh thyme in between the layers. Cover with half a mug of vegetable stock. Bake for about 45 minutes till the vegetables are tender.
- Beet this stew: Here’s a perfect Winter Warmer. Simply stir-fry wedges of beetroot, add a teaspoon of crushed garlic, a handful of chopped flat leaf parsley, a drained can of chickpeas and a couple of mugs of chicken stock (you can use vegetable stock if you prefer). Cook for about 20 minutes till the beetroot is tender. Add some sliced spring onions and pour in a dash of red wine vinegar if you like it tangy.
