Lemon-Butter Sautéed Beet Greens
Discover the delightful and vibrant flavors of lemon-butter sautéed beet greens, a quick and nutritious side dish. This recipe highlights baby beet leaves, known for their tender texture and mild taste, making them perfect for a light sauté. Cooked with aromatic garlic and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice, these greens pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled steak. Not only do they bring a splash of color to your plate, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic clove
1 (thinly sliced)
Baby beet leaves
2 lbs (washed)
Fresh lemon juice
1-2 teaspoons (squeezed)
Sea salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine the olive oil and unsalted butter over low heat. As the butter melts, add the thinly sliced garlic.
2
Gently cook the garlic, stirring frequently until it's fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
3
Add the washed baby beet greens directly into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cover the pan. Allow the greens to wilt for approximately 2 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Remove the lid and check for excess moisture. If necessary, cook for an additional minute to let any liquid evaporate, enhancing the dish's flavor.
5
Once cooked, toss the greens with fresh lemon juice, season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and serve hot as a delicious accompaniment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lemon-butter sautéed beet greens?
They are a quick and nutritious side dish featuring tender baby beet leaves cooked with garlic, butter, and a bright splash of lemon juice.
What kind of beet greens are best for this recipe?
This recipe highlights baby beet leaves because they are known for their tender texture and mild, pleasant taste.
How long does it take to cook the beet greens?
The greens only need to wilt for approximately 2 minutes once they are added to the skillet.
What can I serve with sautéed beet greens?
These greens pair wonderfully with main dishes like roasted chicken or grilled steak.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter and olive oil for sautéing.
Are beet greens healthy?
Yes, they are a healthy addition to any meal as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but you should adjust the amount of added sea salt later to avoid over-seasoning.
How should I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The garlic should be thinly sliced to allow it to cook gently and become fragrant without burning.
Do I need to wash the beet greens?
Yes, the baby beet leaves should be thoroughly washed before being added directly into the skillet.
Why do I need to cover the pan while cooking the greens?
Covering the pan helps trap steam, which allows the greens to wilt quickly and evenly.
What should I do if there is too much liquid in the pan?
If there is excess moisture, simply cook the greens uncovered for an additional minute to let the liquid evaporate.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the unsalted butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice acts as a finishing touch that brightens the flavors of the butter and garlic.
Can I use mature beet greens instead of baby leaves?
Yes, though mature greens may have tougher stems that require a slightly longer cooking time than baby leaves.
How do I prevent the garlic from browning too much?
Cook the garlic over low heat and stir frequently until it is just fragrant and lightly golden.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using sea salt to taste for the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for one thinly sliced garlic clove.
Can I add red pepper flakes for spice?
Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic can provide a nice hint of heat.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large skillet or a Dutch oven with a lid.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the greens?
Reheat them briefly in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, though you may need to cook the greens in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
What is the best heat level for melting the butter?
Use low heat when combining the olive oil and butter to ensure the butter doesn't burn.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished beet greens should be soft and wilted but still retain a vibrant color.
Does this dish contain many calories?
No, sautéed greens are generally a low-calorie side dish, though the exact count depends on the amount of butter used.
Can I use this method for other greens?
Yes, this lemon-butter sauté method works well for spinach, Swiss chard, or kale.
When should I add the black pepper?
Add the freshly ground black pepper at the very end, along with the sea salt and lemon juice.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.