Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Before diving into its culinary applications, it's worth noting the impressive nutritional profile of beetroot powder:
- Rich in antioxidants, particularly betalains
- High in nitrates, which may help lower blood pressure
- Good source of fibre, folate, manganese, and potassium
- Contains iron, vitamin C, and magnesium
These nutrients contribute to various health benefits, including improved exercise performance, reduced inflammation, and support for digestive health.
10 Creative Uses for Beetroot Powder
- Vibrant Smoothies: Add a teaspoon of beetroot powder to your morning smoothie for a nutritious boost and a beautiful pink hue. It pairs well with berries, banana, and Greek yoghurt.
- Natural Food Colouring: Use beetroot powder as a natural alternative to artificial food colouring in frostings, icings, and baked goods. It's perfect for creating pink and red hues in Valentine's Day treats or Christmas biscuits.
- Savoury Spice Blends: Incorporate beetroot powder into homemade spice blends for a unique twist. Try mixing it with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika for a flavourful rub for roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
- Pink Pasta: Add a tablespoon of beetroot powder to your pasta dough for a visually striking pink pasta. It's sure to impress dinner guests and add a subtle earthy flavour to your dish.
- Beetroot Latte: Create a trendy and healthy beetroot latte by mixing beetroot powder with warm milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of honey or maple syrup. It's a comforting, caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
- Nutrient-Dense Baked Goods: Incorporate beetroot powder into muffins, bread, or cake batters for added nutrition and a subtle pink tint. It works particularly well in chocolate recipes, enhancing the richness without overpowering the flavour.
- Vibrant Houmous: Stir beetroot powder into homemade or shop-bought houmous for a colourful twist on this Middle Eastern dip. It adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tahini and chickpeas beautifully.
- Pink Pancakes: Add a tablespoon of beetroot powder to your pancake or waffle batter for a fun, pink breakfast treat. Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yoghurt for a nutritious start to the day.
- Homemade Energy Balls: Mix beetroot powder with dates, nuts, and seeds to create nutrient-dense energy balls. They're perfect for a quick, healthy snack or pre-workout boost.
- Beetroot Salt: Blend beetroot powder with sea salt to create a visually striking and flavourful finishing salt. Use it to add a pop of colour and earthy flavour to roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even the rim of a Bloody Mary glass.
Recipe: Beetroot and Dark Chocolate Brownies
Here's a delicious recipe showcasing Spice Realm's Beetroot Powder:
Ingredients:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150g unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 200g caster sugar
- 100g plain flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Spice Realm's Beetroot Powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking parchment.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, beetroot powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool in the tin before cutting into squares.
These brownies offer a rich, fudgy texture with a subtle earthy undertone from the beetroot powder. The vibrant red hue of the powder deepens the chocolate colour, creating an indulgent treat that's secretly packed with nutrients.
Incorporating Spice Realm's Beetroot Powder into your cooking and baking repertoire opens up a world of creative culinary possibilities. From enhancing the nutritional value of your dishes to adding natural colour and subtle flavour, this versatile ingredient is sure to become a staple in your British kitchen.