beetroot marinara

I  just love beetroot, its so nutritious, a great detoxifier and blood pressure normaliser and recent research actually showed an almost immediate improvement in cognitive function in a group of elderly subjects immediately after drinking fresh beetroot juice!  So if you are concerned about your memory and drink too much wine, which lets face it is probably most of us, then eat more beetroot! It provides great support for the liver and widens the arteries resulting in improved blood flow to the brain!
I made this recipe last night and it was so delicious, I wanted to share it. Its so simple and so healthy. and can be eaten warm or cold so would be great for a healthy lunch! 


Ingredients

1 pack of vaccum packed beetroot (about 300-400g)

1 tin chopped tomatoes or a 4 or 5 fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

1/4 cup sundried tomatoes

2 medjool dates, pitted and chopped

2 or 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme and oregano or 1 tsp dried mixed herbs

1 tsp paprika

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

a few sliced olives to garnish (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil or the oil from the sun dried tomatoes

Method

Heat the oil in a pan, then add the onion and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. 
Add the chopped pepper and garlic and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. 
Add the chopped tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, chopped dates, beetroot, herbs and paprika and continue to cook on a low heat for around 15 minutes.  
I blitzed half the sauce with a hand blender and left the other half chunky for a bit of texture. Season with himalyan sea salt and black pepper then stir in a tablespoon balsamic vinegar. 


Serve over spiralised veggies, and garnish with fresh herbs and sliced olives for an extra omega 3 boost! 
It would also be lovely on spelt or wholegrain pasta!
A spiraliser is worth investing in, its like a potato peeler or a julienne peeler and just creates thin strips of raw veggies, perfect for courgettes and carrots and a brilliant way of getting more veggies into your diet.
...your health in your hands......