Beetroot Bites

Beetroot Bites is a delicious appetizer that is healthy as well as pretty. It is a quick and easy biting that gets over in a jiffy.

Who could think that a humble vegetable like Beetroot can offer us such a wonderful appetizer? It is so flavorful that you can’t stop at one. It not only promises a healthy bite but also plays beautifully on our plate with its vibrant color.

Beetroot Turnovers is a recipe from Insta that I tweaked and turned into Beetroot Bites. It is actually such a versatile appetizer. You can stuff the beet slices and make turnovers or just top them to make Bites. We can choose to top it with cream cheese, Feta, or Labneh. Add spices and herbs of your choice.

Ingredients required to make Beetroot Bites

Beetroot: Always buy even-sized, vibrant, and unblemished beetroots
Greek Yogurt: I like to use Greek Yogurt as it gives a nice thick Labneh, but homemade curd works well too. Probably you will have to keep it to drain overnight.
Coriander & Mint Leaves: Both herbs are a must, wash them well and chop them finely.
Green Chilly: I like a slight spicy zing, but you can skip it too.
Walnuts: Walnuts give a crunch and make a great combo with candied peel.
Candied Peel: The mild citrus flavor enhances these bites. Alternatively, you can use lemon or orange zest.
Salt to taste: Add just a pinch.

How to make Beetroot Bites

Labneh

First, we shall make the Labneh.
Line a strainer with a cheesecloth.
Put the Greek Yogurt into this and place the strainer over a bowl. Place it in the refrigerator for 2 -3 hours.
We can use regular curd too, but it will take a little longer for it to turn into Labneh.
Remove the Labneh to another bowl and use the strained water in your cooking.
Beat the strained yogurt very well, so it is creamy.
Add salt, chopped walnuts candied peel and finely chopped coriander, and mint to the Labneh.
Mix well. Keep refrigerated till we use it.

Boiling the Beetroot

Wash and boil the beetroot, I have used a pressure cooker to boil them. The boiling time will depend on the size of the beetroot. I used medium-sized beetroots and pressure cook for 2 full whistles and then put the flame on slow for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can oven-roast the beetroots.
To ensure that the nutrients and color of the beetroot remain intact, do not remove its skin before boiling it.
Always check by inserting a knife into the beetroot, if it is well cooked.
Let the beetroot come to room temperature. Refrigerate for an hour at least. Now peel and cut into slices.
Spread the prepared Labneh over the beetroot slices. Garnish with mint and candied peel. Serve chilled.
If you are making turnovers, place the Labneh over a side and fold the beetroot slice. Garnish.

Tips for buying Beetroot

• While buying beetroot, go for small and firm ones with a dark ruby blush, try and choose the same size.
• The vegetable should have an unblemished surface with an intact taproot.
• Avoid hairy taproots as they are indicative of the veggie being old and tough.

Benefits of Beetroot

• Beetroot is thought to be a powerful antioxidant
• It helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Beetroots are good for your gut.
• They help in lowering blood sugar.
• Beetroots have anti-cancer properties.
• In addition, this folate-rich vegetable is regularly used to boost athletic endurance and support muscle recovery.

Benefits of Greek Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt is an excellent probiotic.
• It is packed with protein.
• It is high in calcium and low in carbs.

Variations

Give the Beetroot Bites an Indian twist. Add finely chopped onion and tomato to Labneh, along with some chat masala. Garnish with mint and pomegranate arils.

How about giving these bites an Italian flavor? Add oregano. basil and some chilly flakes. Use olives for garnish.

We can even try Mexican flavors. Use ready Taco seasoning or Homemade seasoning.

The list is endless, we just have to be innovative.

Why should I make Beetroot Bites?

• Beetroot Bites make a delicious appetizer for a party.
• They are easy to make, and you can make them in advance.
• You can even make them vegan by using soy yogurt.
• The bites are high in protein and low in carbs.
• These bites are good for your gut.

How else can I use Beetroot?

There are several ways to incorporate beetroot into your diet, here are some recipes.

1

Beetroot Poori

Beetroot Poori is a deep fried Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour , beetroot purée and carom seeds .The puffed poori is nutritious with a pink hue.

Check out this recipe

2

Beetroot Paratha

Beetroot Paratha is a healthy paratha made with beetroot. These pretty looking parathas are nutritious and make a perfect lunch box recipe.

Check out this recipe

3

Mini Beetroot Dhokla

Beetroot Mini Dhokla’s are steamed l cakes made with lentils , rice and semolina . They are topped with beetroot to make them healthy and attractive as well .

Check out this recipe

4

Beet Root Paani Poori

Beetroot Pani Poori is a fusion version of the regular Golgappas, where we stuff a crisp poori with condiments and enjoy with  a flavored spiced water.

Check out this recipe

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5 from 5 votes

Beetroot Bites

Beetroot Bites is a delicious appetizer that is healthy as well as pretty. It is a quick and easy biting that gets over in a jiffy.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Fusion

Keyword Protein Rich

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Vaishali Sabnani

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker
• Strainer
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 Beetroot, boiled medium size
• 1/2 cup Labneh
• 1 tbsp Coriander & Mint Leaves finely chopped
• 1 Green Chilly finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Walnuts finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Candied Peel
• Salt to taste

Instructions

First we shall make the Labneh.

• Line a strainer with a cheese cloth.
• Put the Greek Yogurt into this and place the strainer over a bowl. Place it in the refrigerator for 2 -3 hours.
• We can use regular curd too, but it will take a little longer for it to turn into Labneh.
• Remove the Labneh in another bowl and use the strained water in your cooking.
• Beat the strained yogurt very well, so it is creamy.
• Add salt, chopped walnuts candied peel and finely chopped coriander and mint to the Labneh.
• Mix well. Keep refrigerated till we use it.

Boiling the Beetroot & Preparing the Bites

• Wash and boil the beetroot, I have used a pressure cooker to boil them. The boiling time will depend on the size of beetroot. Alternatively you can oven roast the beetroot’s.
• To ensure that the nutrients and colour of the beetroot remain intact, do not remove its skin before boiling it.
• Always check by inserting a knife into the beetroot, if it is well cooked.
• Let the beetroot come to room temperature . Refrigerate for an hour at least. Now peel and cut into slices.
• Spread the prepared Labneh over the beetroot slices. Garnish with mint and candied peel. Serve chilled.
• If you are making turnovers, place the Labneh over a side and fold the beetroot slice. and garnish.