Also known as Beta vulgaris, beet is a tasty vegetable that can decrease blood cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, the vegetable is also helpful in reducing the risk of cancer. Aside from these uses, the vegetable is also effective in treating constipation and fever. Because of the different medicinal uses of the vegetable, many people like to include this in their favorite dishes. In order to learn how to cook beets, it is essential to know the special recipes that use the vegetables as the key ingredients.
Beet and Pear Puree
This recipe is a very delicious and satisfying appetizer. To prepare this starter, you need three medium beets, five ounces of unsalted butter, ½ cup minced onions, two peeled and minced pears, two teaspoons white sugar, three tablespoons cranberry vinegar as well as ¼ teaspoon salt. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place beets in a baking dish and bake for an hour.
Heat a skillet over medium fire. Melt butter and add onions, sugar, pears as well as vinegar. Stir constantly for 15 minutes. Slice the beets into several portions. Transfer the pear mixture in a blender or food processer. Add the vegetables and salt. Process the puree for three minutes to five minutes.
Beets with Cumin and Onion
The ingredients include five medium beets cut into several portions, two tablespoons canola oil, a small onion, a clove of garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons cumin seed, two tablespoons all-purpose flour, two peeled and chopped tomatoes, 1 ½ cups water as well as a teaspoon of salt.
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Pour the canola oil in the saucepan. Saute garlic and onion. Add the cumin seed and flour. Stir for a minute. Add the tomatoes, beets, salt and water. Reduce the heat setting to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve immediately.
Chilled Vegetable Soup
Another delectable and hearty appetizer is the Chilled Vegetable Soup. This starter contains 1 ½ cups sour cream, two tablespoons lemon juice, ½ small onion, a cup of cooked beets and a cup of crushed ice. The initial step in preparing the dish is to pour lemon juice in a food processor. Add the sour cream, the vegetables and onions. Process the ingredients until the puree is smooth. Transfer the puree in a clean bowl. Add two ice cubes or half cup of cold water. Stir the soup. Top with sour cream. Garnish with chopped parsley or chopped parsley.
