Beets Greens Recipes Vegetarian: Healthy & Delicious Ideas

Beet greens are often overlooked in the kitchen, but they are a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor that can elevate any vegetarian meal. These vibrant, leafy greens come from the beetroot plant and offer a slightly earthy, mildly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness that pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients.

Using beet greens in your cooking not only reduces food waste but also adds a fresh, healthy twist to your dishes. Whether sautéed, steamed, or incorporated into salads, beet greens bring a delightful color and texture to your plate.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious vegetarian beet greens recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any season. Expect recipes that celebrate the versatility of beet greens, from a simple garlicky sauté to a hearty beet greens and quinoa bowl.

If you love experimenting with greens and want to add something new to your vegetarian repertoire, these recipes will inspire you to cook creatively with beet greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beet greens are incredibly nutrient-dense, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. These vegetarian recipes make it simple to incorporate these greens into your diet without any fuss.

Flavor packed: The earthy taste of beet greens balances perfectly with garlic, lemon, and spices.

Easy and quick: Most preparations take less than 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.

Waste not, want not: Using beet greens reduces food waste and makes full use of your beets.

Versatile: These recipes can serve as side dishes, main meals, or salad additions.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches fresh beet greens, thoroughly washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for vegetarian, omit for vegan)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for beet greens bowl recipe)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Colander or salad spinner (to wash and dry beet greens)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the beet greens: First, rinse the beet greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off the excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them well. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add beet greens: Gradually add the beet greens to the skillet, stirring frequently. They will wilt quickly. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
4. Season the greens: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
5. Add lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sautéed beet greens. Toss to evenly distribute the citrus flavor.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the beet greens to a serving dish. Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve warm as a side or incorporate into your favorite grain bowls.
7. Optional grain bowl: For a hearty meal, layer cooked quinoa or rice in a bowl, then top with the sautéed beet greens. Drizzle with extra olive oil or a tahini dressing.

Tips & Variations

“Make sure to wash beet greens thoroughly — they can harbor dirt in their crevices!”

Feel free to substitute olive oil with coconut or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. For a vegan version, omit feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Try adding other veggies such as sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the beet greens for more variety.

If you like a smoky touch, add a dash of smoked paprika or a small splash of soy sauce during cooking.

For a Mediterranean twist, toss the cooked beet greens with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.

Beet greens also make an excellent filling for savory crepes or stuffed into filo pastry for a vegetarian appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve beet greens alongside your favorite grain or legume dish for a balanced vegetarian meal.
• Use sautéed beet greens as a topping for toasted bread or bruschetta for a light snack or appetizer.
• Mix beet greens into pasta dishes with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
• Incorporate beet greens into a warm salad with quinoa, roasted nuts, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Add beet greens to a vegetable stir-fry with tofu and your favorite stir-fry sauce; try a recipe like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipes for inspiration.

More Delicious Beet Greens Recipes for Vegetarians

1. Garlicky Beet Greens and White Bean Stew

   A hearty stew combining tender beet greens with creamy white beans, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and packed with protein and fiber.

2. Beet Greens and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

   This fresh salad blends sautéed beet greens with fluffy quinoa, toasted almonds, and a zesty lemon tahini dressing for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

3. Beet Greens and Mushroom Stuffed Crepes

   Soft crepes filled with sautéed beet greens, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese, then baked with a light tomato sauce. A perfect vegetarian main course.

Garlicky Beet Greens and White Bean Stew

• Ingredients: 2 bunches beet greens, 1 can white beans (drained), 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tomatoes (diced), olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme or oregano).
• Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and cook until soft, stir in beet greens, then add beans and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes until flavors meld.
• Serving: Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked rice.

Beet Greens and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked quinoa, 1 bunch sautéed beet greens, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, 2 tablespoons tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Instructions: Prepare the dressing by whisking tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss quinoa, beet greens, and almonds with the dressing.
• Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Beet Greens and Mushroom Stuffed Crepes

• Ingredients: Crepes (store-bought or homemade), 1 bunch beet greens, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Sauté beet greens and mushrooms with garlic. Fill crepes with the mixture and ricotta, roll, place in a baking dish, top with tomato sauce, and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Serving: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan versions) or the fresh and vibrant Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe.

Conclusion

Beet greens are an underrated vegetable green that deserve a spot on your weekly menu. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they also bring a unique earthy flavor and beautiful color to your dishes.

These vegetarian beet greens recipes are simple, quick, and adaptable to your taste preferences, making it easy to enjoy the health benefits and deliciousness of this green.

Using beet greens helps reduce waste and expands your cooking horizons beyond just the beetroot. Whether you choose to sauté, stew, or stuff them, beet greens can transform everyday meals into nutritious and flavorful experiences.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices, nuts, and grains to create your perfect beet greens dish. Happy cooking!

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