Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Beet & Orange Sautee




Beets!  A pain to peel, chop, and cook, but oh so delicious!

Beets are not only naturally sweet and tasty, they boast a whole host of medicinal benefits as well.  A rich source of the phytochemical Betaine which lowers homocystiene levels in the blood making it heart healthy; a natural source of Vitamin C, helping your immune system fight off free radicals; contains fiber and essential minerals to aid in healthy digestive function; and can be used to assess healthy digestive function due to the lovely blood red color of your next bowel movement!

I love to roast my beets, but I didn't have time to wait 50 minutes for them to cook, so I had to come up with something quicker and thus this shredded beet recipe was born.  Cooking with what's available in your kitchen is the best way to get new and creative recipes without have to go out and buy specific ingredients.  I had garlic, cuties, beets, honey, slivered almonds, spices and coconut oil and voila!

We served ours with sauteed kale, and baked orange chicken.

Beet & Orange Sautee
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1 bunch beets (3 medium ones, peeled, quatered)
juice of 2 cuties
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp ghee
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp rehydrated orange peel (i have a spice of this, you can use grated orange peel too)
1/2 tsp ginger (fresh if you have it, or powdered is fine too)
1 tsp honey
salt & pepper to taste
slivered almond on top

Throw your beets in a food processor and process until well chopped.
Melt the ghee, coconut oil, honey, orange peel, and spices in the skillet (wait to add the cutie juice).  Throw in chopped garlic to marinate and break it down a bit. 
In a mixing bowl toss the melted oil/spice mixture with the beets until well coated, squeeze in cutie juice, then throw it all back in the skillet and cover to cook on med heat for 10 minutes or so.  Your goal is just to get them soft-ish, remember you can eat beets raw so this just gives them a little more flavor.

Salt & pepper and slivered almonds on top, and you're good to go with a flavorful, colorful side dish in no time at all!  Enjoy :)