Now before you think I’ve gone way off my rocker, know that summer rolls can be consumed in the winter…especially when one of the ingredients is in fact a winter vegetable…BEETS! Continuing on with the Vitamin C trend (See the POS-C Smoothie) for the flu season, I thought this might be a good addition :) Beets also boast a unique phytonutrient called betalain. So were talking antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support from beets. You’ll want to be careful when adding heat to the beets because you can damage the betalain…15 minutes of steaming and 60 minutes of roasting are recommended. Beets also put a good fight up against cancer. So next time you’re at the dinner table, ask someone to pass the BEETS!
Some of you might be thinking about how messy beets are…It’s true, they can really stain your hands. Try using gloves the next time you’re preparing beets. Trader Joes sells beets already prepared if you’re into that, although I have no idea how long the beets endured the heat if you’re worried about losing the betalain.
Before you throw away all of those leafy greens from the beets, rinse them off and steam the greens just like you would spinach. I like to add a dash…ok, a really big splash of vinegar to them :)
Now, onto the summer rolls…I snagged this recipe from the “Clean Food” recipe book I used for a majority of my summer time postings.
Summer Rolls with Lemon Basil Pesto
INGREDIENTS
8-10 rice or tapioca spring roll wrappers (I snagged some from amazon which happened to arrive on my doorstep the same day!)
2 cups sprouts of choice, rinsed and patted dry
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced lengthwise
1 large red beet, peeled and julienned
3 carrots, julienned
Shallow bowl or plate of hot water and towels
Lemon Basil Pesto
1 cup fresh lemon balm – yeah…I had NO idea where to find the fresh kind so I bought the dried spice in a Health Food Store
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare all vegetables and lay everything out ready for assembly in the following order: wrappers, bowl of water, sprouts, avocados, beets, carrots.
Preparing Pesto
In food processor, blend all pesto ingredients until fairly smooth. Place in a bowl and add to the line-up between the sprouts and avocado.
Assembling
Place a towel in front of you. Put one wrapper in bowl with hot water until soft (about 45 seconds). Remove and place on towel-pat dry. Place sprouts centered along the edge closest to you. Spread pesto over sprouts. Top with avocado, beet, and carrot. Wrap by folding up the edge closest to you, folding in the sides, then rolling toward the far edge. Leave rolls whole or slice in half and place on serving dish. Continue with remaining wrappers and filling and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy! And be sure to leave a comment in my giveaway for a really delicious, nutritious, powdered drink! Even you new subscribers….you’ve got to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing…once you leave a comment, you’ll also get bonus entries for subscribing and more points if you’re a Juice Plus+ Customer….You Juice Plusers are getting a serving of beets everyday in your gummy/capsule that you take…did you know that?!?!
A big thanks to my newest subscribers….
Melissa Kootsikas, one of my first employers in Hawaii who is now more like family to me!
Amber Christian of “Pickle Print & Marketing” in Traverse City, MI. Please check out their website if you need help with your business or know someone who needs help :)
And Andrea Vicente, family member and fellow photographer who I get to work side by side with in May for Michelle Traton’s wedding!!!
****Bev Pasquariello just commented asking me “Did you at least blanche the beets”, which is a very good question since it helps retain the flavor, color and texture… But, correct me if I’m wrong in my description, Bev. Great question…Thanks for the comment :)
I like your pictures! Christie, you can even make beets look delicious in their raw form :)
Awh!!! Thanks Sheri :) Hope you had a great Birthday!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing my recipes! I hope you continue to enjoy them in good health! Terry
AHHHH!!! I feel like I just met a celebrity!!! Thanks Terry :) I adore your books…recommend them the most to all my friends who’re interested in eating healthy :)
did you at least blanche the beets
Yep :)
I am very proud of your new passion. I am truly working hard at eating better and exercising more. Getting old is a bummer for sure!!
Thanks Erin! I’m loving how you’ve accomplished some great races! Hoping to get the motivation to run my first half marathon sometime next year…10 miles is the most I’ve done…but that was last Thanksgiving :) Check out the giveaway I’m doing for a really nutritious sports drink….really helps the recovery process with the great amount of protein…from plants :)