Imagine a dish that transforms humble beets into a burst of citrusy brilliance—a recipe that's not just a side dish, but a nutritional powerhouse that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your clean eating journey! These Clean Eating Citrus Marinated Beets are about to become your new obsession, promising a perfect balance of earthy sweetness and bright, tangy notes that will make your palate dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Clean Eating
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the beets. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the tops and tails, but leave the skin on, as it helps retain their flavor and nutrients during cooking.
- Place the cleaned beets in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the beets to cook for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beets.
- While the beets are cooking, prepare the citrus marinade. In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed juice of one orange and one lemon. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the juice mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together until well combined.
- Once the beets are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes until they are manageable to handle. Using your hands or a paper towel, gently rub the skins off the beets. They should peel off easily.
- After peeling, cut the beets into bite-sized cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cut beets and pour the citrus marinade over them. Toss gently to ensure that the beets are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Allow the beets to marinate in the citrus mixture for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. If time permits, marinating them for a longer period (up to 1 hour) in the refrigerator will enhance the taste even more.
- Before serving, give the marinated beets a final toss and taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Clean Eating Citrus Marinated Beets as a refreshing side dish or as part of a salad. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful creation!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm beets with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep the beet skins on during initial cooking to preserve nutrients and prevent color bleeding.
- Use freshly squeezed citrus juices for maximum flavor intensity.
- Allow ample marinating time—the longer they sit, the more flavor they'll absorb.
- For extra elegance, use a mix of golden and red beets to create a stunning visual presentation.
- Wear gloves when peeling beets to prevent staining your hands.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the most refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 143kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
