This month, I'll feature the nutrient dense beet and a chilled soup in time for summer.
 
Spicy Beets
 
Time: 30 minutes
 
• 3 large or about 5 medium golden beets
• 3 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped mint
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• pinch of cayenne
• salt & pepper
 
Peel the beets with a potato peeler, then dice them into small cubes and set them aside. Prepare the other vegetables.
 
Bring the avocado oil to medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sauté the shallots, jalapeno, and garlic for two to three minutes until they begin to brown, stirring often. Add the beets and a dash of water. Cover and sauté until the beets begin to soften, stirring regularly. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to cook until the beets are soft. Adjust the seasonings to taste; serve warm.
 
Nutritional info: 3 servings at 13g carb, 14g fat.
 
Beet and Pear Slaw
 
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Active time: 5 minutes
 
• 3 medium beets
• 1 Asian pear, stem and core removed
• 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
 
Dressing:
• 1 Tbsp. avocado or olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 Tbsp. honey
• salt & black pepper to taste
 
Place the beets in a saucepan and cover with water. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the beets are soft when pierced with a knife. Remove from the water and allow to cool enough to handle. Rub off the skins and discard them.
 
Rough grate the beets and pear or use a food processor. Let the beets and pear drain in a colander for a few minutes to remove the excess liquid.
 
In the meantime, mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well. Transfer the beets and pear to a bowl and add the goat cheese crumbles. Drizzle the dressing over the top and mix well.
 
Nutritional info: 4 servings at 17g carb, 2g protein, 6g fat.
 
Golden Beet Fry
 
Time: 20 minutes
 
• 3 medium golden beets
• 2 Tbsp. bacon grease (or other pan juices of your choice)
• 3 Tbsp. raisins
• 2 tsp. brown sugar or honey
• salt
 
Peel the beets with a potato peeler, and then dice them into small cubes. Bring the bacon grease to medium-high heat, then sauté the beets, tossing often, until they begin to soften. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to cook until the beets are soft.
 
Nutritional info: 3 servings at 13g carb, 7g fat.
 
Chilled Cherry Soup
 
Here is a flavorful fruit soup for summertime. Make with fresh, seasonal fruit for best results.
 
Time: 20 minutes
 
• 1 lb. cherries
• 2 cups raspberries
• 1 cup 100% orange juice
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt
• 1 cup coconut milk
 
Remove the stems and pits from the cherries. Combine all of the ingredients in blender; puree until smooth. Chill for 2 hours before serving.
 
Nutritional info: 3 servings at 36g carb, 19g fat.