I will be stating up front that my family told me not to post this recipe. Both of my guys said it was “gross”. I on the other hand said it was “delicious”. Why the discord? One word, Beets. Need I say more?
If you like beets, this will be your new favorite way to serve them. If you don’t like beets, your loss! Why? Because Beets are a Superfood, and they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. Studies revealed that beet are good in preventing colon cancer, as it contains the pigment betacyaninis, which counteracts cancer. Enough said!
- 3/4 pounds beets, with greens attached (washed thoroughly)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
In a medium skillet over low heat toast your pine nuts. Once toasted place in a medium bowl and set aside. In same skillet over medium heat add olive oil, garlic and onion. Stirring until caramelized, about 10 minutes. While the onions cook, take beet greens and remove stems, and chop. Peel beets and remove roots and tough tops, cut into bite size chunks.
Add greens to onions, cover pan, lower heat and blanch greens, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand.
While onion is cooking boil water in a medium saucepan, add generous amount of salt. Once boiling add beets, cook for 10-12 minutes.
Remove beets from water with slotted spoon. Place in bowl with pine nuts, add onions and cheese.
Let water come back to a boil and cook orzo pasta according to box directions. Drain pasta. Add to bowl and toss. Season to taste with pepper and salt.
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About Amy Stafford
You can usually find me in my garden, the kitchen, at the gym or spending time with my family. I love sharing recipes, gardening and exercise tips and stories of my backyard chickens and beekeeping.
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Hi, I am Amy, and I am a confessed Food Lover, Garden Addict and Photo Junkie!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
We’re not a beet or blue cheese family either, but I think they could take on a different persona when combined with the orzo and pine nuts. It sounds great to me!
If your not a blue cheese fan, try it with feta??
I can’t wait to make this. Thank you.
Your welcome, let me know what you think..
Big thumbs up from someone who loves Beets more than a sane person should! Thanks for such diverse recipes x
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