Who loves beets? Not me – but I saw this recipe in Vegetarian Times magazine (April/May edition) and decided it was time to really give beets a chance. I must confess that I hadn’t really tasted much of them growing up and I don’t think that they look very appetizing so I never buy them, cook them or even think of them as a something to include in my diet. The recipe in the magazine made me think differently and an experiment was born.
I changed up this dish to make it quicker and fewer calories but the ingredients are the same. They sautéed the greens before adding them to the ciabatta bread but I`m not a fan of soggy greens. I`ve mentioned before that texture plays a big part in my love of food and soggy is not allowed! They also used the beet leaves but I substituted arugula. The leaves on my beets were not in great shape and I prefer the peppery-mustard flavour of arugula.
I thought this looked very ‘Springy’ and would make a good appetizer, snack or even dinner for those who eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. If you have company coming, try finding some different colour beets to make a super presentation.
These turned out very tasty and I loved the flavours of the goat cheese with lemon, thyme, garlic and arugula. A filling meal that is only about 200 calories and 5 g. of sugar – gotta love it!
So what’s your take on beets? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Indifferent? Do you have a recipe I should try?
Have a wonderful day, everyone. Cheers!
- 1 lb small beets with greens
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves, plus 1é2 teaspoon whole leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, divided
- 1 teaspoons minced garlic
- 6 1/2 inch thick slices ciabatta bread
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove greens from beets, discard stems (tear leaves into pieces if you want to use them)
- Slice beets into 1/4 inch think, ad toss with 2 tablespoons of oil; season with salt, if desired.
- Arrange beets in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10 – 12 minutes. Cool on pan.
- Mash goat cheese, milk, chopped thyme and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest in small bowl.
- Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon zest with 1/2 teaspoon garlic and 1 tablespoon oil in another small bowl.
- Increase oven heat to broil. Arrange ciabatta slices on baking sheet and brush with lemon-garlic oil. Broil 90 seconds, or until golden. Flip, and broil 1 minute more.
- Spread 1.5 teaspoons goat cheese mixture over each bread slice, then top each with arugula, then top with 3 or 4 overlapping beet slices, and drizzle with remaining lemon-garlic oil. Sprinkle with thyme leaves.
52 Comments
Anita Rivera
June 5, 2014 at 6:42 amI AM WITH YOU about beets! I horrible childhood experience with them has scared me for life with this ruby gems, but what a gorgeous looking recipe! I have since ventured out to at least use beets in a healthy juice with beets, carrot and apple. It is a great detoxifying drink and really shouldn’t be consumed daily because of its thorough cleansing and high sugar content. But this dish looks amazing, Robyn!
Love your site so much. The ideas and possibilities are the perfect thing for my summer table. Much love to you dear friend! Anita
Anita Rivera
June 5, 2014 at 6:42 amOh dear, the typos in my comment!
Robyn
June 5, 2014 at 7:23 amLOL, Anita. For some reason I’m typo-ing all over the place this morning as well – no worries. Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I haven’t done the juicing thing yet and I really don’t think it’s for me. That’s ok though because I eat lots of raw fruits and veggies.
Two more days, my friend! Hugs and love to you. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula
Marie
June 5, 2014 at 8:20 amBeets were never on my list of foods I ate either – until I tried them roasted. They’re so much better roasted than boiled. Love the looks of this recipe and am pinning it. Thanks for sharing it, Robyn!
Robyn
June 6, 2014 at 8:37 amI think beets are either a love em or hate em vegetable, Marie, lol. Thanks for the pin! Have a great weekend.
Marisa
June 5, 2014 at 9:22 amThis sounds delicious! Think I might just pin it to make later
Robyn
June 6, 2014 at 8:38 amThanks so much, Marisa. Thanks for popping by – I was thrilled to visit your beautiful blog 🙂
cheri
June 5, 2014 at 10:49 amI love beets, never thought of making a sandwich out of them, but this is clearly a beautiful dish. Will have to try this Robyn. Thanks for sharing!
cheri recently posted…Herb Spring Water and a Broccoli Souffle
Robyn
June 6, 2014 at 8:38 amThanks so much, Cheri. I have to pop by to check out your soufflé. I’ve never even made one! Have a great weekend.
Maria
June 5, 2014 at 11:37 amThis looks so fresh and delicious, and those beets look so beautiful, too! What a great summer dinner idea!
Robyn
June 6, 2014 at 8:39 amThanks so much, Maria. So glad you stopped by. It seems you are one of the few beet lovers so far, lol.
Melissa French, The More With Less Mom
June 5, 2014 at 6:49 pmI keep trying beets but I just can’t like them. I wonder if they’re an acquired taste. Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real (co-hosting this week).
Stephanie
June 6, 2014 at 8:34 amThis is a new one for me – I guess I don’t think outside of the box 🙂 I like pickled beets, but that’s about all. This recipe looks SOOO good and perfect for lunch – will have to try soon. Thanks for sharing, Robyn.
Hugs to you!
Robyn
June 8, 2014 at 6:27 amHiya Stephanie,
So glad you stopped in. Aren’t you supposed to be enjoying some time off?! lol. Thanks for your kind words and visit, my friend. xoox
Robyn recently posted…Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula
Linda
June 6, 2014 at 11:27 amI love beets and I often wonder why I don’t buy them more. When we go out to dinner sometimes, we have fabulous salads with beets. Then I am reminded to buy some. I like them with goat cheese, so this is something I really like. The beets are also pretty. Hope you had a fabulous time at home with your sweetie. Lots of love, WW
Linda recently posted…Salmon & Potato Waffles
Robyn
June 8, 2014 at 6:29 amI think you’re the only one so far that has said they love beets, Linda, lol. This might be the dish for you! Love your salmon dish – I could eat that every day of the week :).
Had a great time 😉
Robyn recently posted…Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula
LydiaF
June 8, 2014 at 8:10 amMy brother planted an entire row of beets just for me! They’ll be ready this week 🙂 I will definitely make this! Thanks for sharing with Real Food Fridays.
LydiaF recently posted…Why {Older} Women Need to Strength Train
Robyn
June 8, 2014 at 12:48 pmOh, now we can add one more to the beet lover column! lol. Let me know what you think of this dish please, Lydia. Have a great Sunday 🙂
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
June 8, 2014 at 8:12 amI really like beets a lot… they make everything look so pretty. You need to try beet hummus… it’s delish!
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl recently posted…Spicy Black Bean Hummus
Robyn
June 8, 2014 at 12:49 pmYou are starting to tip the scales in favour of the beet lovers, Kim! I love the idea of beet hummus – definitely a must do! Thanks so much for visiting.
Marla
June 8, 2014 at 1:26 pmVery interesting recipe. I actually have never tried Goats cheese but my Mom planted a lot of beets that are doing really well and this sounds like a recipe to try. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays Blog Hop!
Robyn
June 9, 2014 at 8:06 amI`m so surprised you haven`t had goat cheese, Marla! I bet you would really like it with roasted beets :). Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mindy
June 9, 2014 at 6:58 pmWe are beet lovers around here – pickled, roasted, cubed, shredded- and eat them weekly in salads. I have some up in the garden and cannot wait until we can harvest our own. Do you have a Starbucks nearby? My daughter and I like their brown rice, sweet potato beet salad with a Tahini lemon dressing. Thanks for sharing a new recipe for me to try with the beets!
Mindy recently posted…What I learned in May
Robyn
June 11, 2014 at 8:11 amHi Mindy,
We have loads of Starbucks here but I never go because I don’t drink coffee or tea, lol. Most Canucks go to Tim Horton’s and sometimes I’m forced into there with friends but your salad sounds yummy. Thanks for visiting, dear friend. Hugs!
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Bam's Kitchen
June 10, 2014 at 9:02 amHi there Robyn! I love these simple dishes in the summer, perfect for alfresco simple dining. I like beets as long as they are savoury and not sweet. How pretty to have found the swirled striped beets. Perfect to pin!
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Fruity Scallops on Grilled Cabbage Cups
Robyn
June 11, 2014 at 8:12 amHiya Bobbi,
I’m even simpler in the summer than I am in the winter, lol. I am so drooling over your scallops dish. So many beautiful flavours and textures in one dish! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Lori Hart
June 10, 2014 at 10:21 amYou had me at goat cheese………………. I found you over at Do Tell Tuesday. I host Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and would love it if you linked up this recipe. I’m sure our party goers would love it as much as I do. Here is the link http://bit.ly/1l4cu0j. Have a wonderful day!!
Lori Hart recently posted…Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday #4 with new Features!!
Chrystal @ YUM eating
June 10, 2014 at 11:31 amThis is perfect as we planted two rows of beets in the garden this year! Pinned!
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…Trash To Treasure Garden Update {1}
Robyn
June 11, 2014 at 8:13 amThanks, Chrystal, and thanks so much for the pin! Always so nice to see your smiling face!
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Chrystal @ YUM eating
June 17, 2014 at 2:07 pmHey guess what??
This is my feature pick on this weeks Stop the Yuck Party. It will go live tonight at 8pm EST. Be sure to grab your feature button!
I was in the garden telling my beet to ‘grow, grow, grow!’ I really can’t wait to try this recipe.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…Trash to Treasure Garden Update {2}
Robyn
June 17, 2014 at 2:20 pmThanks so much, Chrystal – very much appreciated! See you tonight 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits
Jill
June 11, 2014 at 7:49 amI tried roasted fresh beets a few times (several years ago now) and was not a huge fan. I actually like fresh beets grated raw on a salad! But your pictures may make me try roasted again. It’s a lovely appetizer to look at! Pinned!
Jill recently posted…Slow Cooker Chicken a la King with Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
Robyn
June 11, 2014 at 8:15 amHi Jill,
Thanks so much for your kind comments. I’m surprised I liked them because I sure wasn’t a beet fan before. Thanks for the pin, too. I’m off to visit your blog – loving he sound of Chicken a la King in the slow cooker! Have a great day 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Min
June 12, 2014 at 6:21 amI used to shy away from beets, but now I absolutely adore them. My husband, on the other hand, is still refusing to come into the light ;). I’ve been eating a lot of smaller meals throughout the day so this sounds like a perfect mini-meal! I also love the goat cheese + beets combo so this is perfect!
Robyn
June 17, 2014 at 5:59 pmLOL, it took me a very long time to, Min, so I sympathise with the hubby. I was so surprised by this flavour – what a treat. I’ll definitely be looking into more ways to cook these little guys. So nice to have you visit!
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits
Cheryl
June 13, 2014 at 8:56 pmHow beautiful! I love your pictures. Thanks for bringing it to The Yuck Stops Here link party this week. I can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to the party next week. HUGS
Cheryl recently posted…Grilled Masala Chicken with Vegetables & the “Aha” Moment with Reynolds Foil
Robyn
June 15, 2014 at 6:42 amThanks, Cheryl. I am really enjoying you parties each week. Hope you are having a great weekend.
Cheryl
June 17, 2014 at 7:37 pmSurprise! This is also MY Favorite this week on The Tuck Yuck Stops Here link party! I’m going to make you a special double feature button since you’re being featured on both sites. In the mean time you can pick up your “I’ve Been Featured” button whenever you have a chance. HUGS
Robyn
June 17, 2014 at 8:28 pmWow, Cheryl – thank you!! I`ve installed the button here on my recipe as well as my features page. I look forward to getting my own special button! You guys made my week – much appreciated!
The Yuck Stops Here #12
June 17, 2014 at 7:01 pm[…] Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula from Simply Fresh Dinners […]
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June 17, 2014 at 9:02 pm[…] have to tell you, she never stops amazing me with her creativity with such simple ingredients. Her Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula caught my attention before I even noticed it was her photo. Those pinkish/reddish beets were […]
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June 24, 2014 at 7:02 pm[…] Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula from Simply Fresh Dinners was featured here on Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos and on Yum Eating, so she received a special DOUBLE FEATURE button! Congratulations Robyn! Here is the button she received: […]
The Yuck Stops Here {13} #stoptheyuck - YUM eating
June 25, 2014 at 9:05 am[…] Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula from Simply Fresh Dinners was featured here on Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos and on Yum Eating, so she received a special DOUBLE FEATURE button! Congratulations Robyn! Here is the button she received: […]
Maggie
October 14, 2014 at 12:52 amI like beets a lot, either in a bowl of soup or a simple salad. My favorite dish is borscht and often add a lot of beef in it, to make it tastier. I never thought I can serve beet this way and it seems like a wonderful idea! The goat cheese and arugula is a great combination, and super healthy! Love this 🙂
Maggie recently posted…Authentic Chinese Steamed Fish
Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
October 14, 2014 at 11:24 amEvery time I see a picture of those beets I drool, and that’s saying something since I’m not a beet person! Love the addition of goat cheese and arugula. 🙂
Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy recently posted…Sweet Potato-Apple Soup with Sage Brown Butter and Pancetta Croutons
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow
October 15, 2014 at 12:45 pmI haven’t had beets in years, so I don’t even know if I like ’em or not. Then again, I haven’t seen very many recipes using beets that I’ve wanted to try, but this recipe is enough to convince me.
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