Beet Greens Soup

tempImageOr1jTO.gif

Recipe

Beets and greens soup was my favorite during the summer when I lived in Poland. Summer is the best time to make this soup because beets are young and sweet, and stems and leaves are fresh and crunchy.

Beets were considered a superfood in Poland, and later I discovered they play a significant role in Ayurvedic cooking and using food as medicine. Beets stimulate bile flow and support liver function for effective detoxification. Beets are high in sugar, but they have a high amount of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), supporting healthy blood sugar levels. In addition, beets are one of the best sources of nitrates* stimulating circulation and oxygen delivery to our cells. 

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups of filtered water

  • 1 TB ghee, butter, or avocado oil

  • ½ sweet onion, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 bunch fresh beets with greens and stems (5-6 medium size beets)

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced

  • 3 medium young potatoes, chopped

  • 1 bunch of dill

  • 2 TBS apple cider vinegar

  • 1 garlic clove, crushed

  • 3 bay leaves

  • Sea or Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: olive oil, goat cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt

 

Method:

  1. Clean, peel, and chop all vegetables, including the beet stems and leaves (soak the beet stems and leaves if necessary to release sand and dirt).

  2. In a medium-size pot, heat the ghee, and add onions, celery and carrots. Cook for a few minutes and add garlic.

  3. Add potatoes, beets, stems, and leaves and combine with vegetables in the pot - season with salt and pepper.

  4. Add water and bay lives. Cover, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are soft and the flavors are combined.

  5. Add apple cider vinegar and chopped dill, turn off the stove, cover the pot with the lid and let it stay covered for 30 minutes or longer.

  6. Optional: top with goat cheese, sour cream, or yogurt before serving.

This soup can be served hot or cold; I like it the room temperature the most. It stores well for up to 3 days. It becomes even more flavorful on the second or third day.

 

Health facts:

·      High contant of nitrates

·      Contains vitamins B and C

·      Rich calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, manganese, mangnesium

·      Great source of ALA (Alph lipolic acid in beets)

·      Great source of fiber

·      GF, dairy free, vegetarian, allergy friendly

  

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-health-benefits-of-beets/