Try a mix of golden and red beets for even more vibrant color. Using both the roots and the greens, this salad makes full use of the many benefits of the mighty, yet humble, beet. In fact, the greens are the most nutrient-rich part of the beet. Beet greens are a member of the revered group known as dark green leafy vegetables; they provide even more magnesium, and a better calcium: magnesium ratio than other members of the group. Beet greens are also particularly high in vitamins K, A and C, as well as iron.

Prep

• 4 medium size beets
• Extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup shallots
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons mint
• 2 tablespoons cilantro

Remove greens from beets and set aside. Drizzle whole beets with extra virgin olive oil and roast in a foil packet at 350° until tender, 25 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the beets. If there is any oil left over in the packet, save for the dressing. Let cool enough to handle, peel and chop into bite-sized pieces or slices.
While beets are baking, prepare the remainder of the ingredients. Peel and dice shallots. Peel and finely chop garlic. Chop mint, cilantro and beet greens.
 
Marinade

• 1½ tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Blackstrap molasses
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Stir together the vinegar, molasses, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the warm beets and marinate for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
 
Salad

• ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds

Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add shallots and ½ the garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until onion is translucent. Add mustard seeds, stirring frequently. When the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the cumin seeds. Add in beet greens and sauté for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.
 
Dressing

• ½ cup plain goat yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon Himalayan Salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Mash the remainder of the garlic and salt. Stir into the yogurt. Add pepper. Drain the beets, saving some of the marinade to stir into the yogurt. Add beets to dressing and toss gently to coat.
 
Serve

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Make a bed of beet greens on the plates. Place the beets in the center of the greens and top with pine nuts, mint and cilantro.

Preparation: 20 minutes active, 3 – 4 hours for baking and marinating
Serves: 4

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that has long, tender, noodle-like flesh that makes a fun alternative to pasta. Winter squash are prized for their abundant B-vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and folate. Their carotenoid content provides antioxidant benefits. Winter squash contains moderate amounts of Omega 3 fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, which plays a role in supporting cognitive function.

Prep

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 medium shallot
  
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 medium beets
• ½ cup cauliflower
• 2 carrots
• ½ cup fresh basil

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds and spread coconut oil over cut sides. Place squash cut sides down in a baking dish and bake 45 minutes or until tender.

Peel and chop shallot, garlic, beets and cauliflower. Chop carrots and basil.

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1½ cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt

Heat coconut oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook until shallot is translucent, stirring frequently. Add beets, carrots, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for a few more minutes.

Add ½ cup broth, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a countertop blender and puree along with 1 cup broth. Return to pot, add basil and warm for a few more minutes.

Serve
When squash is done, scoop out flesh and fluff with a fork. Divide among plates and drizzle with sauce.

Preparation: 1 hour
Serves: 4