Sauteed Beet Tops
Transform humble beet tops into a vibrant, nutrient-packed side dish with this quick and easy recipe for Sautéed Beet Tops. Tender greens and crisp stems are brought to life with the rich flavors of garlic, a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes, and a bright finish of fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this zero-waste recipe makes the most of ingredients often overlooked, turning beet greens into a deliciously savory dish that's perfect alongside grilled proteins or served atop hearty grains. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this healthy recipe is a wonderful way to reduce food waste while adding bold, fresh flavor to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 bunch beet tops (greens and stems)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Thoroughly rinse the beet tops under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Separate the stems from the greens. Chop the stems into 1-inch pieces and roughly chop the greens. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
If using, add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 15 seconds to infuse the oil with heat.
Add the chopped beet stems to the skillet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stems begin to soften.
Add the chopped beet greens to the skillet, stirring to combine with the stems and garlic. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and black pepper.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the beet tops. Toss to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or over grains for a nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
303 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1634 mg | 71% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 252 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1584 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
