This is the perfect starter if you serve appetizers before your Thanksgiving meal, but it’s really great anytime of year as an alternative to hummus for dipping and snacking. This has been a MAJOR crowd pleaser at the past couple of dinner parties I’ve had, and for that reason, I’m posting the recipe here for you all to enjoy! Roasting the beets before blending them adds a rich, sweet, earthy flavor that is so deliciously satisfying. Serve this up with some thick-cut roasted delicata squash or sweet potato fries. Or consider just serving it next to some store bought hummus, crackers, celery, and carrots for a sophisticated twist on a crudite platter. Your guests will be impressed!

Health Benefits of Beets:

Beets are rich in betalains (a phytonutrient responsible for the pigmentation in beets), which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Beets help keep your liver healthy so it can continue to get rid of toxins in your body
They are naturally sweet, especially after roasting, and eating sweet vegetables and fruits can reduce your sugar cravings
They have high levels of phyto-nitrates, which helps your body lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. These phyto-nitrates also boost athletic performance and brain function.
They are full of essential nutrients and minerals, like magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus, Vitamins A, B, and C

Ingredients

4-5 medium sized beets, washed and dried
1 clove of garlic
Juice from half of a lemon
¼ cup of good quality olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 375
Cut beets into ¼ inch wedges and mix with a drizzle of olive oil, some salt and pepper
Roast at 375 for 45 min to an hour, until soft when poked with fork
Put roasted beets with remainder of ingredients in a blender and pulse until a paste forms
If mixture needs more moisture, add some olive oil, water, or lemon juice until it reaches the consistency you like

Served here with roasted delicata squash

Beet dip served next to hummus and leftover chimichurri sauce