Easy Beets, Greens, and Sheep Cheese

Beets and beet greens are beautiful–pretty in purple! Their deep color means they’re loaded with phytochemicals and antioxidants that can help ward off chronic diseases, such as certain cancers.  Beets help maintain appropriate blood pressure–and increase the body’s ability to supply itself with oxygen in doing so–by increasing nitric oxide concentrations. This means better endurance and immune system functioning.

What a beautiful bunch of beets!

I tried sheep cheese for some variety in this recipe. It was delicious! Variety is base of a balanced diet–overdoing it on any one food could leave you with negative consequences, whether from food sensitivities or vitamin and mineral deficiencies from a lack of balance.

Beets leave me feeling nourished; I hope you enjoy these and feel the same!

Easy Beets, Their Greens, and Sheep Cheese 

15-30 minutes to prepare; serves one

1 medium beet, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 cup beet greens, washed and torn into large pieces

2 tsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 Tbsp sheep cheese, crumbled

1/4 tsp all purpose  seasoning

Pinch of salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Toss sliced beet with 1/2 tsp olive oil and all purpose seasoning. Roast in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.

2. When beet is almost done roasting, warm remaining oil and garlic in a small pan over medium heat. Add beet greens; stir occasionally until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Plate beets over greens and sprinkle with sheep cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Notes: If you avoid dairy, there plenty of flavor in this recipe without the cheese, or you can substitute for an alternative, like cashew cheese.

Nutrition info:

198 kcal, 6 g protein, 18 g total carbohydrate (5 g dietary fiber, 11 g total sugars, 0 g added sugars), 12 g total fat ( 3 g saturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 13 mg cholesterol), 181 mg calcium, 1060 mg potassium, 430 mg sodium, 3 mg iron, 83 mg magnesium, 131 mg phosphorus, 1 mg zinc, 0.6 mg vitamin B6, 23 mg vitamin C