
Food Security and Sustainability
Although it's an unconventional combination, beets and carrots unite to produce an exceptionally interesting and comforting flavor. Beyond that, these colorful vegetables can fill your soup bowl with a variety of nutrients and phytonutrients, as well as fiber.
Tip: For the freshest flavor of all, plant beets and carrots in your garden in the spring — or find them fresh at your local farmers market.
Vegetable oil cooking spray
5 large carrots, peeled and sliced (3 cups)
1 pound fresh beets, peeled and chopped*
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced (1½ cups)
1 large onion, quartered (2 cups)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 14-ounce cans low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream for garnish**
Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Before you begin: Wash your hands.
*Substitute 1 15-ounce can beets, rinsed and drained. Instead of roasting, puree them with other vegetables in food processor or blender.
**Substitute Greek yogurt.
Serves 8 as an appetizer
Serves 4 as a main dish
Calories: 240; Calories from fat: 70; Total fat: 8g; Saturated fat: 2.5g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Sodium: 280mg; Total carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary fiber: 8g; Sugars: 19g; Protein: 10g
Credit: Napier, Kristine, MPH, RD, Editor for the Food and Culinary Practice Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Dietetic Association Cooking Healthy Across America. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2005.
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