Beetlicious Raw Pink Spread

Beets are an incredible veggie, and not just because of their bright pink hue.  Beets are of the most nutritious foods on the planet. 

Most beet recipes ask you to roast or boil the beet first, but that increases time spent and a great deal of the nutrients are lost when its cooked.  So in this recipe were using a raw beet.  Not only is the color more pungent, but you're gaining some seriously good nutrients in half of the time! Kinda genius, no?

This sauce is great as a dip for veggies, a topping for a cracker or toast.  It also doubles as a salad dressing.  Add some flax seed oil and it turns into a print pink salad dressing. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 Beet, washed and skin removed
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 heaping tablespoons of tahini
• 1 large cucumber or two small cucumbers
• handful of chopped or baby carrots (optional)
• Juice of two lemons
• Himalayan salt to taste

Method:

Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. 

Pinto Bean Crackers

This is so simple and so filling, it'd be crazy not to make it. 

Ingredients

• 1 can pinto beans
• 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
• Two tablespoons of seeds of any kind - I used 1 Tbl pumpkin and 1Tbl chia
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 Tablespoons chopped onion

Method

1. Blend
2. Use a spoon to place on parchment paper. Spread it out so its thin. 
3. Bake at 400 degrees until crispy for about 40 minutes. (Every oven is different so take a peek after 30 minutes. You'll want it to be crispy, but not burn)

The Low Down

Although it has the consistency of a cracker, it has the satisfying effect of pinto beans.  Full of fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals.  This low-glycemic "cracker" will sustain your energy and leave you full for hours! 

These are super great topped with White Bean Balsamic Hummus and work great as appetizers for a dinner party, a mid-day snack, or part of a wholesome meal. 

White Bean Balsamic Hummus

Here's a fun twist on a yummy dip.  Throw these ingredients in the blender and bam!

Ingredients

• One can of organic white beans 
• Two tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• One clove of garlic
• Juice of one lemon
• Three Tablespoons hemp seeds
• Three Tablespoons Poppy seeds
• Two Tablespoons tomato salsa
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Open can. Throw entire contents with the liquid into blender. 
2. Throw all other ingredients into blender or food processor. 
3. Blend. 
4. Eat. 

The Low Down

This nutritional beast of a hummus contains zero added oil.

By using hemp seeds in the mix, you'll get really good for you Omega 3s plus added protein. 

While most recipes ask you to drain and rinse the beans, you don't need to for this recipe, saving you an extra minute or two. The reason being, beans are so nutritious, that even the liquid from inside the can contains really good for you minerals. Since you are using a BPA-free can of organic beans, it'll all good. So keep the liquid and ditch the oil!