Beet greens are great. I would love to know why so many people throw them away. They are sold per bunch, not by the pound. So when you yank them off and toss them aside at the supermarket, your loss is my gain…an extra bonus when I purchase a bunch of beets and collect your discarded greens. Are you interested in zero waste cooking? Beet greens are indeed edible, just like most leafy tops such as radish greens. They’re just as nutritious as kale, spinach or collard greens.
If you aren’t used to cooking leafy greens, perhaps you think that they might be too bitter for your palate? Beet greens are not bitter like some other hardier greens, but if that’s your concern, try adding something sweet. That’s one way to eat more vegetables when you don’t like them.
Pictured above, I began by sautéing some sliced onion in olive oil until golden. Then added chopped beet greens and a little beer (because I had a bottle opened that I had used for a batter previously). Just about any liquid would do. Let that simmer for a bit and once they were nearly cooked to my liking, I seasoned with salt and added some sliced apple to warm through and soften a tiny bit. The apple added a sweetness and varied texture to the vegetables. The pinkish color derived from the beet stems also lends a desirable hue to the apples.
Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs seasoned with garlic powder and Herbs de Provence roasted at 425 for about 30 minutes. Brown rice is cooked with turmeric, garlic powder and chicken stock. Yes, I had accidentally thawed some chicken stock by taking it out of the freezer when I cleaned, reorganized and assessed my freezer/refrigerator situation before grocery shopping. So I used it in preparing the rice. Zero waste cooking! Water works too.
Keeping the rice as a relatively neutral base so that I can repurpose leftovers for another meal over the next couple of days, I decided to sprinkle a few raisins on top to further this sweet meets savory theme. You could certainly cook them along with the rice or with the greens if you desired.
Use your imagination and let me know how you prepare your beet greens. Cooking without a recipe is liberating. Ready for more leafy greens? Please read Keen On Beans and Greens next.