Jewels and Pasta

Related recipes: Beets, Cheese, Corn-Free, Easy, Egg-Free, Fall, High Fibre, Onions, Pasta, Vegetarian, Winter

Beautiful red beets contrast with the pasta in this unusual way of using fresh beets.

Ingredients

4 medium beets, scrubbed

12 ounces (340g) linguine, uncooked

1 Tbsp (15mL) extra virgin olive oil

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1/2 tsp (3g) salt (sea salt if on a corn-free diet*)

4 ounces (115g) feta cheese*, crumbled

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

Boil beets in their skins for about 45 minutes.

While beets are cooking, cook linguine in boiling water until done. Drain linguine, reserving about 1 cup (250mL) of the liquid.

Rinse beets well under cold running water and slide the skins off. Chop beets into 1/2-inch (2cm) cubes (or smaller).

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch (30cm) nonstick skillet and add onions. Cook onions until tender, and lightly browned. Add chopped beets and salt to the onions. Transfer the pasta into the skillet with the beets and onions. Stir until the pasta and the beets are well combined. Top with the crumbled feta cheese and the freshly ground pepper.

* Allergy notes: People following a corn-free diet should avoid iodized salt since it contains dextrose, which should be avoided by those allergic to corn. The egg protein lysozyme is an unlabeled additive in some cheeses. People allergic to eggs should eliminate any cheese in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 461
Total Fat: 11g
% Calories from fat: 21%
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrate: 74g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 653mg