As the rest of the country fades to fall and pumpkin lattes are back on the menu, it’s still hot as ever in Hawaii.  With the amount of baking I have been doing recently for a sweet lady I cook for, dinner needs to be quick and cool! Yes, you have to roast the beets, but they are delicious snacks or additions to any future meal.  Beets used to be frowned upon, probably because your mother made you eat a canned version of this sweet vegetable; but, recently beets have been popping up in the fanciest restaurants.  These red jewels are bursting with flavor, color, and sweetness.  The smoky taste of salmon coupled with fresh goat cheese and spicy arugula creates a delightful evening meal.

Bon appetit!

Serves 2, however there will be extra dressing*

Smoked Salmon and Roasted Beet Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups arugula
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 2 small or 1 large beet
• 2 oz goat cheese, crumbles
• half of an avocado

Dressing*

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup champagne vinaigrette
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh horseradish
• 3 cloves (large) garlic, crushed
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• Fresh ground pepper

Directions

To roast beets

• Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a sharp knife or mandolin, thinly slice beets in round circles.
• Place beets on parchment lined baking sheet and drizzle both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
• Roast for 10-13 minutes (depending on how thin your beets are cut), flip beets and continue to roast for an additional 10-13 minutes.
• Beets should be soft, not crispy.

To assemble

• Place greens in a serving bowl and arrange other ingredients on top.
• Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Nutrition of Beets

Root vegetables, such as beets, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, & garlic, are very nourishing as nutrients are transported to the plant through its roots.  Beets are especially high in iron, vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid (an important nutrient for  pregnancy and nerve growth/development).  High in antioxidants, beets are natural detoxifiers.  Pectin, a fiber found in beets, helps flush out toxins already cleansed by the liver, instead of being reabsorbed by the body.

Beets make you happy— a healthy liver has an anti-depressant effect on the brain!  Removing toxins keeps the body healthy and functioning, but also promotes vibrancy.  Adding a few beets to your weekly meals will help your liver, brain, and put a smile on your face.  This cold weather vegetable will clear your brain on even the gloomiest of days.

For another salad with beets try Roasted Root Vegetable Salad.

For more information:

Naturalnews.com