Betteraves Melange {Simple and Refreshing}
Once Upon A Time . . .
There was a man and his wife who had the bad luck to live next door to a witch. Now, it is not particularly modern to use this term in a derogatory way, but the story doesn’t tell me her name so there it is.
Anyhoo, one day the wife (who was expecting) became ravenous for a particular heirloom variety of garlic called rapunzel. Now, can you imagine where this prized variety grows best? In the witch’s garden, OF COURSE!
Now The Rest Of That Story Is Bunk
But the first part makes perfect sense. I was overtaken by just such an irresistible craving last week . . . for beets.
Did I mention that I hate beets? Oh yes! But nothing else would do on that day but fresh beets, grated and served in all their liver cleansing, blood purifying glory.
Maybe it was the Vitamin C infusion, or perhaps the folate, manganese, lutein or zillions of other phytonutrients that I needed. Who was I to argue?
This light, simple melange was the result, and it is so yummy! Serve chilled as a refreshing alternative to slaw on a hot summer day when it’s too hot to cook.
Oh, You Don’t Love Beets Either?
. . . . but you still want all their unique benefits? I hear you. Give this a try and you may take back all those things you’ve said about them over the years. I know I did! And in fact, I’m feeling a little ravenous right now . . .
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded beets (Small, firm ones are sweetest. You’ll need 2-3)
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil. If you’re using coconut oil warm it slightly so that it’s in liquid form. (where to buy coconut and olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2-4 tablespoons finely minced cilantro (depending on taste)
- 2 teaspoons raw honey (where to buy honey)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp unrefined sea salt (where to buy salt)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
Method:
Toss all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until well combined. Serve chilled.
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Carottes et Betteraves Râpées

















Erin
I’m sorry you don’t like beets, I love them! This recipe looks delicious and beets take oh so long to cook, it would be nice to skip that and get straight to their goodness.
Heather
If you try it please let me know how you like them!
Erin
I picked up beets at the market this morning and just put this together. I forgot cilantro so mine doesn’t have that, but it tastes great! I think it will be even better once it’s melded for a while. I’ll serve it with dinner for sure.
Erin
by the way the New Braunfels Farmers Market is in the top 5 in the country, put in a vote if you wouldn’t mind for it, or yours. http://action.farmland.org/site/PageNavigator/Americas-Favorite-Farmers-Markets/best_local_farmers_market_vote
Heather
Thanks, I just voted for mine!
Heather
Well, I have some lovely small beets in my fridge from last week’s farmers market and I’ve been wondering what to do with them. Just so happens I have cilantro on hand too! So thank you! This sounds perfect!
Heather
Only two more days until market day near my house! Isn’t fresh, local produce the BEST??? Enjoy!
Tiffany
does this mean you’re pregnant?
Heather
LOL! I meant to add a disclaimer and then forgot. Not that I know of . . . I think I’m just one ravenous nursing mama.
dianthe
aww man – i gave my mom all the beets from this week’s produce delivery – i’ll know to keep them next time!
katja swift
in our house, we say “hag” when they’re using witch to be derogatory
so far, it works out great – and i’m sure it will, right up until we meet a friendly …hag?
i can’t wait to try this!
recently we’ve been trying raw beet salad too – with chopped apples, and some sauerkraut mixed in. add crunchy sea salt and walnuts – it’s really good! i like mine with avocado oil may mixed in, but ryn abhors “creamy”, so he has his plain
Heather
emailing you for details on that recipe. yum!
Heather
Lol, I considered using hag but it turns out I am oh so traditional when it comes to fairy tales.
Rebekah
I’ve actually never tried beets. (!) But I will be looking for them at the market this weekend so I can try this!
Heather
Oh good! Let me know how it turns out!
Brittany
we just received beets in our produce co-op this week and i was less than thrilled. i haven’t had much experience with beets, but i don’t think they’ve made a positive impact. i’m going to try this recipe right now! hopefully it changes my perspective on beets!
Heather
Hope you like it , Brittany!
brittany
Hadhad it with dinner tonight. success! even my hobby liked it!
Heather
Woohoo!
Kirsten
Ok, I just made this to get it ready for dinner tonight, and may I just say, WOW! So yummy! I hope it lasts until it’s time to eat it!
Heather
I’m so glad you liked it, Kirsten!
debbie
OMG- I jsut made this beet salad, it’s delicious!!!! So good- It’s going to be a staple in my house.
Thank you!!!
Heather
Awww, I love hearing that Debbie! So glad you liked it!