Heart Healthy Beet Pesto

I love beets. Yes I am Polish but I also love and appreciate all their health benefits. Beets have been well-studied for their ability to reduce blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. The nitrates in beets can improve the efficiency of the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) and increase oxygen use, which in turn will increase physical performance in exercise. Beets are also anti-inflammatory and can improve your gut health - all amazing reasons to eat beets!

If you have tried my Parsley Pesto recipe in my cookbook Delicious Detox, my beet pesto is just as delicious.

1 cup walnuts

juice of 1 lemon

a few leaves of fresh basil and fresh mint

4 steamed/boiled beets (skin removed)

2 garlic cloves

4-6 T extra-virgin olive oil

2 T parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender except for olive oil and pulse until combined.

2. Slowly add olive oil until you reach a consistency you like. You can add water to thin out.

3. If you want a creamier texture and you don't have a dairy sensitivity you can add parmesan cheese and pulse until combined.