You know I’m big on creating quick, easy and, of course, healthy snacks. These Oven Baked Beet Chips are especially perfect for when you need something fast to munch on—and they provide a delicious, nutritional boost for your bod.
Last week, we talked about how to reduce inflammation naturally, and beets were one of the Top 10 favorite anti-inflammatory foods.
It may not seem like it, but these root vegetables are incredibly versatile. You can eat them raw, bake them simply in the oven or work them into a number of yummy dishes – from a topping to the main ingredient!
Let’s explore further why you need more beets in your diet AND score my quick and easy recipe for delectable oven-baked beet chips.
The Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are an awesome source of so many vitamins and minerals—potassium; magnesium; fiber; phosphorus; iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; and, folic acid. These are but a few of the many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can be found in not just the round bulb but also the stalk and greens!
So basically, I’m telling you that beets are superheroes, guys.
Plus, they’re also good for your brain and mental health. Beets contain betaine, the same substance that is sometimes used to treat depression. They also contain trytophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being, kind of like chocolate.
Beets can also lower your blood pressure. And they’re awesome for the liver, because they work as a purifier for the blood, and can prevent various forms of cancer.
Last but not least, beets are an aphrodisiac! No joke, they’re the sexy librarian of the veggie world. Here’s some of the science to back it up. Beets contain high amounts of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones. Need I say more?
Different Ways You Can Enjoy Beets
If you’re looking to add in the benefits of beets to your daily diet, but don’t like the texture, there are quite a few alternative ways to incorporate them into dishes.
Pureed beets can be folded into everything from hummus, to pasta dough, to pancake batter and desserts. They make an excellent avocado toast topping too.
You can juice beets or blend them into your morning smoothie. They pair particularly well with apple, ginger, and lemon for a liver-boosting tonic!
The greens and stems can be used in salads and soups. Sauté the leaves with olive oil and garlic for a tasty side dish or add them to your morning omelet. The stems can also be sautéed or added raw to smoothies. You can even pickle the stems for a gut-friendly snack.
My Quick and Easy Recipe for Oven-Baked Beet Chips
Quick note: You will get more benefits from beets by eating them raw, steamed or juiced, but in a pinch and as a great healthy snack, these chips are my go-to favorite! Plus, this is an easy way to try out the flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
4 medium beets, thinly sliced (Use a mandolin slicer if you have it, or just a good sharp knife)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
Sea salt to taste (I prefer Maldon Smoked Sea Salt)
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat oven to 375º. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place beet slices on the baking sheet, and toss to coat with oil, sea salt and spices.
- Arrange the chips so they don’t overlap.
- Roast for 30 minutes until crispy.
- Check periodically and turn over with a spatula and continue cooking—careful not to burn them!
- Let them cool. Then munch away and bliss out!
Now that you’ve gotten down with some cool beets, let me know in the comments below what other foods you’re interested in trying but aren’t sure where to start.
LOVE + healthy snacking!
Haha, shouldn’t you be charging for that kind of knegoldwe?!