Beet and Greens Protein Smoothie

Beet and Greens Protein Smoothie

by | Aug 11, 2017 | Health, Home, Recipes

Oftentimes, I make some really fantastic smoothies and I don’t measure.  If you know me, I’m all about cooking with as few utensils as possible!  Simply, a handful of frozen this or that and a dollop of nut butter save me from having to wash measuring cups.  As much as I love smoothies, I dislike having to wash the blender and blades so I want to minimize dirty dishes!  For the sake of perfecting my beet and greens smoothie, I whipped out the measuring cups.

As you know from my Beet Brownies and Beet-filled Recipes Round-Up, beets are one of my favorite vegetables to cook with.  Previously, I’ve added beets to smoothies but they have a way of taking over and overwhelming the smoothie.  They are just as sweet as berries and filled with antioxidants so I decided to try subbing my usual berries for a quarter of a roasted beet.  That was the perfect subtle way to sneak in the beet and keep the smoothie lightly sweet.

Also, just like my Carrot Mango Tumeric Smoothie, this Beet and Greens Smoothie is a thinner consistency.  I like my thick shakes but right now I’m on a kick with these drinkable smoothies.  Though, it’s not so thin that you couldn’t use a spoon—I still do! 😉

Additionally, I’ve been adding ashwaganda and maca powder to my smoothies for the past few months.  I use Maju Superfoods brand which is affordable and a little bit of powder really goes a long way.  They are not necessary for taste but they have health benefits, such as hormonal regulation, that I enjoy.  It’s a little soon for me to see benefits but smoothies are the easiest way to incorporate them!  Of course, you can totally make the smoothie without the boosters.

Let me know what you think if you try out this Beet and Greens Smoothie! 🙂

beet and greens smoothie

Beet and Greens Protein Smoothie
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 smoothie
This smoothie makes perfect use of the beetroot and its greens. Any leafy greens will work though! The ingredient combination makes for one modest-sized smoothie. It’s sweet and zippy and so refreshing!
Ingredients
  • 2 handfuls ~ 1 cup fresh or frozen leafy greens (I used beet greens)
  • ¾ cup cashew milk or chai tea*
  • ½ cup sliced and frozen zucchini
  • ½ medium frozen banana
  • ¼ large roasted and frozen beet root ~ ¼ cup
  • ½ inch knob of frozen or fresh ginger root
  • a cube of frozen aloe vera juice (optional)
  • 1 tsp cacao powder
  • a scoop chocolate plant-based protein
  • 1 tbsp ground flax
  • ½- 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • ½ tsp ashwaganda root powder (optional)
  • ½ maca powder (optional)
Instructions
  1. First, add the greens and liquid to a blender and blend up until smooth. I find this prevents difficult-to-break-down greens from leaving flakes in the end result. If you have a high powered blender, feel free to throw everything in at once.
  2. Next, add in the all of the rest of the ingredients and powders, if using. I find it best to throw the frozen ingredients on top of the powders so that they don’t fly up and stick to the sides of the blender.
  3. Finally, enjoy the smoothie as is, with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, coconut flakes, or some granola on top.
Notes
*Milk is the preferred choice in a smoothie but I tried some brewed and cooled chai tea in it and that tasted wonderful! Feel free to use chai or herbal tea for an added depth of flavor!
Beet Protein Brownies & My Favorite Beet-filled Recipes

Beet Protein Brownies & My Favorite Beet-filled Recipes

by | Aug 4, 2017 | Health, Home, Recipes

Oh, beet root, aren’t you sweet?  You give me lots of good to eat!

Okay, I hate to admit it but I was not always a fan of beets. Only recently have I started liking beets.  Just over a year ago, I remember how I’d still turn my nose up at the canned slices at salad bars.  They just seemed tasteless and weird to me.  It was not until I spotted some very dirty but beautiful bunches at a local farmers market that I decided to give them a try.  I was forever changed 😍

Farmers Market Beets in Hand

Not surprisingly, beets taste so good when you whole roast them yourself.  They taste alright boiled but, the same way roasting makes sweet potatoes extra tender and flavorful, the same works for beets.  I like wrapping them in foil or popping them in a Dutch oven for an hour to bake.  You must try it!  Then, you can make my fudgy Beet Protein Brownies (scroll down) or any of these other awesome beet recipes in my round up!

After all, I’m constantly trying out different recipes and I figured I’d share a few beet-themed ones that I love!

Beet and Carrot Quinoa Spinach Salad

Colorful Beet Salad

Recipe photo via Cookie and Kate

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I rave about Cookie and Kate recipes.  So, evidently, I’ve made this fresh salad at least three times that I can remember.  It works with raw or cooked beets, too.

Hearty Veggie and Brown Rice Salad

Hearty Veggie Brown Rice Salad

Recipe photo via Kim’s Cravings

As of now, Starbucks no longer sells this salad.  Still, back when Starbucks was selling this salad, I would recreate it at home.  Also, I think it’s yummy with some diced apple thrown in!

Beet Latte

Beet Latte

Recipe photo via Tone it Up

Surprisingly, this lightly spiced, lightly sweetened, beet-infused drink is actually delicious hot or cold (if prepped ahead of time)!

Mega Beetroot Veggie Burgers

Beetroot Burgers

Recipe photo via Donal Skehan

These burgers have “mega” in their name for a reason!  I enjoyed a big batch of these delicious patties for days!

Additionally, here’s a quick recipe you can’t go wrong with…

quick beet snack with peanut butter

First, slice a beet. Second, apply peanut butter, cinnamon, and sea salt on said beet. Lastly, top with another slice of beet.  Then, EAT.

Finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for:

Beet Protein Brownies!

beet brownies

These brownies are legit.  Seriously, you might need to restrain yourself from just eating the raw batter.  Well, I did.  In actuality, there is nothing “raw” about the batter so feel free to eat this brownie batter with a spoon!  Though, if you can wait 15 minutes, the batter makes pretty awesome brownies, too.  The Beet Protein Brownies came together thanks to the help of some standout products:

The Natural Citizen Organic Protein

Nativas Organics Cacao Powder

Square Organics Peanut Butter bar

Madhava Coconut Sugar

Even if you don’t have some of these ingredients, you can still make brownies!  I’ll leave substitutions in the recipe.

Beet Protein Brownies
Recipe Type: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Fudgy Beet Protein Brownies made with whole foods that actually taste delicious! I promise you won’t even be able to tell they are healthy!
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup chopped beets (about 1/2 of one large)
  • 3/4 cup kidney or other beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup The Natural Citizen Organic Protein
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder, or cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar, or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp coconut extract & 1/2 tsp vanilla (or just 1 tsp vanilla)
  • A pinch of salt ~ 1/8 tsp
  • 1 Square Organics bar, chopped into cubes (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9 x 5 loaf pan (mine is 8.5 x 4.5) with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor or blender, add all of the ingredients except for the Square Organics bar, if using, and blend until smooth. You may need to stop the processor to scrape down the sides. The batter will be very thick—do not add milk or water it down! Once blended, stir in half of the square organics bar.
  3. Scoop batter into the loaf pan and press into the corners. If desired, you can lightly oil a spoon or spatula to help press the batter and this way it won’t stick! Then, top with remaining square organics cubes and lightly press into the batter.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes. (I took mine out at 10 minutes and they stayed nicely fudgy.) As long as the top of the brownies has formed a solid crust, then that means they are ready. If the top is still gooey, leave in for up to 15 minutes. Not longer, or the brownies may dry out.
  5. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them. They will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
I’ve only tested using the above mentioned protein powder though other brands should work. As well, I believe almond meal would work as a substitute for the protein powder, though, that would decrease the protein content of the brownies.[br]Also, the brownies are plenty delicious on their own but who doesn’t want extra chocolate in a brownie? Instead of the Square Organics bar, you could use 1/4 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.

Recipe loosely adapted from @Dani_Nemeh’s Brownies.

Do you have some new ideas for how to use beets?  Or, perhaps you have some yummy beet-filled recipes under your belt.  Please, feel free to share in the comments.  As you know, I love to try out new recipes!

By the way, if you fancy a chocolate dessert without turning on the oven, definitely check out my Creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Crisp Bars!

Valentine’s Day Smoothie Bowl

Valentine’s Day Smoothie Bowl

by | Feb 14, 2017 | Health, Home, Recipes

Hey, so, call me cheesy, but I made a Valentine’s Day themed smoothie bowl.  I felt inspired by a smoothie I saw on Miami Wellness Club that used beets.  You might have seen my smoothie bowl on my Instagram but I thought I’d catalog this recipe here on my blog.

I experimented with some beet juice that I had from Love Beets and used that as the liquid to get this beauty happening.  You could also use the soaking liquid from home-cooked beets or plain nut milk.  It is healthy, fruity, and made a meal with some protein powder.  I used vanilla but I bet chocolate protein powder would taste equally delicious. Valentine's Day Smoothie Bowl

Let me know if you try this smoothie recipe out!

Valentine’s Day Smoothie Bowl
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 smoothie
A bright pink (or red) smoothie bowl in honor of Valentine’s Day. It’s healthy and fruit-filled and makes for the perfect breakfast.
Ingredients
  • 1 small frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup sliced & frozen strawberries
  • 1 serving of vanilla plant-based protein powder
  • 1/2 cup Love Beets organic beet juice, more if needed
  • Toppings: strawberries, raspberries, granola (optional)
Instructions
  1. Add the protein powder to the blender first, followed by the beet juice and frozen fruit.
  2. The smoothie might be tough to blend but pause your blender and push down on the sides of the mixture to help it combine.
  3. Once blended, scoop the smoothie contents into a bowl with some toppings, or, simply enjoy as a smoothie on its own.