Beet Green Recipes Vegan: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Beet greens are often overlooked in the kitchen, but these vibrant, nutrient-packed leaves deserve a spot in your vegan recipe repertoire. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with a healthy dose of minerals like iron and calcium, beet greens provide a delicious, earthy flavor that adds depth to any dish.

Whether sautéed, blended into smoothies, or tossed in salads, they’re a versatile green that can elevate your meals while minimizing waste by using the whole beet. If you’re looking to expand your vegan cooking horizons, beet greens are a fantastic ingredient to experiment with.

In this post, we’ll share several tasty and simple vegan beet green recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. From a quick garlic sauté to a hearty beet green stew, each recipe highlights the fresh, slightly bitter taste of these leafy greens balanced with complementary flavors.

Plus, you’ll find tips on how to select and store beet greens to keep them fresh longer. Let’s dive into the wholesome world of beet green cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beet green recipes are not only incredibly healthy but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Using the greens reduces food waste and makes the most of your grocery haul.

These recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy leafy greens without the monotony of kale or spinach, showcasing a unique texture and flavor.

Additionally, beet greens cook quickly, making them ideal for busy schedules, and they pair beautifully with a variety of spices, nuts, and grains. Whether you want a simple side dish or a filling main course, these vegan recipes are adaptable, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• Fresh beet greens – about 4 cups, washed and roughly chopped
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Chopped walnuts – ¼ cup, toasted (optional for topping)
• Cooked quinoa or rice – 1 cup, for serving (optional)
• Vegetable broth – ½ cup (for stew or braising recipes)
• Onion – 1 small, diced (optional)
• Chickpeas – 1 cup cooked or canned (optional for protein)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or salad spinner for washing greens
• Small saucepan (if cooking grains)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beet greens: Rinse the beet greens thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt or grit. Dry with a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean towel. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the leaves.
2. Heat the olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm up for about 1 minute.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic (and diced onion if using) to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent but not browned.
4. Add the beet greens: Add the chopped beet greens to the skillet. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to add them in batches, allowing them to wilt down slightly before adding more.
5. Season and cook: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and bright green.
6. Add lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the cooked beet greens. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Optional toppings: Sprinkle with toasted walnuts for crunch and serve alongside cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
8. For a stew variation: After sautéing the garlic and onion, add vegetable broth and chickpeas along with beet greens. Simmer for 10 minutes until flavors meld and greens are tender.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Beet greens cook down significantly, so start with a generous bunch to ensure you have enough for your dish.

Variation: Add nutritional yeast or a splash of tamari for a cheesy, umami twist in vegan beet green sautés.

Tip: If you find beet greens too bitter, blanch them briefly in boiling water before sautéing to mellow the flavor.

Variation: Incorporate cooked lentils or tofu cubes into the beet green stew for extra protein and texture.

For a creative twist, try adding garlic sautéed beet greens to a vegan flatbread or pizza base, similar to how you might use spinach or kale.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan beet green dishes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve your sautéed beet greens over a bed of warm quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome, protein-packed meal.

For a lighter option, toss beet greens into fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette and toasted nuts. They also work beautifully as a filling for vegan wraps or as a nutrient-dense topping for baked potatoes.

If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, try mixing sautéed beet greens with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. For a comforting meal, serve the beet green stew alongside crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the delicious broth.

More Vegan Recipes with Leafy Greens

Inspired to try more plant-based dishes? Check out these fantastic recipes that also highlight vibrant greens and wholesome ingredients:

• Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes – hearty and flavorful vegan dishes with a spicy kick.
• Julie Marie Eats Recipes – creative vegan meals focusing on fresh vegetables and bold spices.
• Leche De Pantera Recipe – a sweet vegan treat to enjoy after your nutritious meals.

Conclusion

Beet greens are a hidden gem in the world of vegan cooking, offering a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy leafy greens beyond the usual options. These recipes showcase how simple it is to transform humble beet greens into vibrant, satisfying dishes that fit perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle.

With their rich nutrient profile and versatility, beet greens can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a hearty stew, these vegan beet green recipes will inspire you to embrace this underrated green and create meals that nourish both body and soul.

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