Beets with whipped goat cheese
For the Beets:▪️5 Large Beets (Red and/or Yellow)▪️Foil▪️Parchment Paper▪️1+1/2 Small Lemons, juice▪️2 Tbsp Olive Oil▪️Kosher Salt & Pepper▪️3 Tbsp Walnuts, chopped▪️2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Leaves▪️
For the Whipped Goat Cheese:▪️4 oz. Goat Cheese▪️1/2 a Small Lemon, juice▪️2-3 Tbsp Milk▪️Kosher Salt & Pepper, to taste▪️
🌱Vegan Modification: Leave out the whipped goat cheese
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375F
2️⃣ Slice the stems off the beets and scrub off any dirt; wrap each beet in parchment paper lined foil (layer a piece of parchment paper on top of a piece of foil so the parchment layer is touching the beet) and place on a baking sheet
3️⃣ Roast beets for 50 mins - 1 hour 20 mins (roasting time will depend on the size of your beets... mine took 1 hour 20 mins) until a fork inserts into the beets easily then let cool
4️⃣ Once the beets are cool enough to handle, wipe off the skin by rubbing them with a piece of paper towel (optional), slice into cubes, and place in a bowl with the lemon juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper; mix
5️⃣ To make the whipped goat cheese, add the goat cheese, lemon juice, 2 Tbsp milk, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to a food processor or blender; blend until smooth (~30 sec) then check the consistency and add 1 Tbsp more milk if the mixture needs to be thinner (it should drizzle off a spoon... I added 3 Tbsp milk total)
6️⃣ Transfer the beets onto a platter or plates and top with walnuts (option to toast the walnuts in a pan until golden brown) and fresh parsley leaves; drizzled the whipped goat cheese on top and enjoy!
⏲15 minute prep time + ~1 hour cook time
Recipe serves 4 people (appetizer or side dish portion)
Beets paired with whipped goat cheese offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, but they also bring some nutritional benefits to the table:
- Nutrient-rich: Beets are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Heart health: Both beets and goat cheese contain nutrients that can contribute to heart health. Beets are rich in nitrates, which may help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Goat cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses, which can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Digestive health: The fiber in beets can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, goat cheese contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health and may improve digestion.
- Protein: Goat cheese is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Pairing beets with whipped goat cheese can create a balanced meal or snack that provides both protein and carbohydrates.
- Bone health: Both beets and goat cheese contain nutrients like calcium and magnesium that are important for bone health. Including these foods in your diet can help support strong and healthy bones over time.
Overall, combining beets with whipped goat cheese not only creates a delicious dish but also provides a range of nutrients that can contribute to your overall health and well-being.