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Beetroot which is also known as beet, is a root vegetable that is loaded with folate (vitamin B9), fibre, manganese, iron, potassium, and vitamin C. This superfood is delicious and easy to prepare. In fact, it can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, steamed or baked. Even though this vegetable can be bought from departmental stores and from salad ingredients vendors in local markets across Nigeria, this vegetable is not as widely used as it should be in the country.

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This may either be because most people do not know the nutritional value of this vegetable or they do not know how to use it to cook. As a result, we’ll be discussing five meals that can be prepared with beetroot today. So, if you don’t know what to do with this vegetable, read on. You just might find something that will awaken the adventurous cook in you.

Beetroot Rice:

If you’ve never heard of this rice before, well, you just learnt something new today. That, my darling, is what reading is all about. It broadens your horizon. Anyway, beetroot rice is any rice that is made with the addition of beetroot. It could be white rice, Jollof rice, fried rice or even coconut rice. Whether the beetroot is cubed, shredded or heated before it is added to the rice, it will still change the colour of the rice.

Nigerian Salad:

Are you surprised? Don’t be. Salad is the first food that I learnt to prepare with beetroot. I love the red hue it adds to this meal. That said, the beetroot for salad can be used raw or boiled. If you want to boil this vegetable before use, boil it with the skin on. Peeling before boiling will result in colour transfer from the vegetable to the water instead of from the vegetable to the food.

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Beetroot Smoothie:

This one is not just another breakfast option, it is a doctor’s prescription, you dey hear? Beetroot smoothie is a delicious blend of beetroot, strawberry, yoghurt, banana and orange juice. But you can freestyle by substituting whatever ingredient you don’t like or have with what you like or have available. Beetroot Smoothie is an immune booster. You should try it.

Beetroot Pancake:

This pancake has an eye-catching colour that the kids will love. But this colour is by no means artificial; beetroot puree is the natural magic ingredient responsible for the colour and the different but no less delicious taste of this pancake. Thus, once you have your beetroot puree, assemble the usual pancake ingredients and get cooking. Beetroot Pancake is an ideal breakfast for the family.

Beetroot juice:

This is another great way to enjoy the nutrients packed in this superfood. Beetroot juice is best prepared with fresh beetroot. This juice can be made with just vegetables; beetroot, carrot and ginger juice is an example of vegetables only beetroot juice. It can also be prepared with fruits like Apple, pineapple. It must however be noted that beetroot juice, like all homemade juice, is not meant to replace meals but it can serve as an accompaniment to meals. In conclusion, beetroot is not just used in cooking oyibo food, it can also be used in cooking some Naija delicacies. Sources: Healthline Mommy’s Yum Featured Image Source: Medical News Today

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This article was first published on 3rd June 2021 and updated on June 8th, 2021 at 7:30 am

udevi-obiamaka-angela

Udevi, Obiamaka Angela holds a Master of Arts degree in History & International Studies. She's a freelance writer with a passion for food and healthy living. She can be contacted through her email address, obiudevi@yahoo.com