Beets are a highly underrated root veggie that can be prepared in so many different ways. Don’t believe us? Well, listen to this. The purple-y red bulb can be turned into an unbelievably moist chocolate cake, crispy chips that will make you say goodbye to the packaged potato ones for good, and can even be transformed into meatballs (or dare we say, BEETballs).

The time is nigh to cook up some beets! The root vegetable’s peak harvest starts in late summer and ends in late fall. Meaning, you’ve got to act quick if you want to enjoy all the flavor, color, and texture that they have to offer.

Don’t stress though, because here at Food Monster, we’ve already done half the work for you. We sifted through all of the Food Monster App archives to find you the latest and greatest beet-iful plant-based recipes.

1. Chocolate Beet Cake 

Vegan Chocolate Beet Cake is super moist and has a fudgy brownie-like texture. It’s great to make for birthdays or any special occasion that calls for a decadent cake. The chocolate glaze on top is totally optional, but adds a nice touch to the cake.

2. Red Velvet Banana Bread 

Red Velvet Banana Bread may sound a little strange, but adding bananas to red velvet cake makes it soft, moist, and perfectly sweet. This red velvet banana bread is completely healthy and homemade! No baking mix or box required. The secret ingredient to get that red velvet color is beets!

3.Beet and Chickpea Coconut Curry 

This comforting Beet and Chickpea Curry is for beet lovers and haters alike. Red beets and protein-rich chickpeas are cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-coconut curry. If you’ve never given beets a second thought, this dish will make you see them in a whole new light.

4. Vinegret: Russian Beet Salad 

Vinegret is traditionally beets tossed with some other root veggies, vinegar, and pickles.This sort-of-traditional take on the Russian beet salad is cheap, healthy, and easy to make. This recipe swaps out the vinegar in favor of fresh lemon juice that adds the perfect level of acidity to the dish.

5. Mushroom, Beet, and Black Bean Burger 

Mushrooms, beets, and black beans. The combination of these three ingredients creates a magnificently meaty Mushroom, Beet, and Black Bean Burger. Not to mention, mushrooms and roasted beets provide you with that fantastic fifth taste: umami. You’re really going to dig this tasty burger.

6. Lemon Beet Hummus With Poached Pistachios

Move over traditional hummus! This new twist on the dip uses white beans to allow all flavors to shine through. Pair this Lemon Beet Hummus with sliced cucumbers, jicama, or whole grain pita chips. Enjoy as a sandwich condiment, too. 

7. Bean Patties in Beet and Chickpea Wraps

If you love garlicky, nutritious foods, then you need to try these Bean Patty Wraps. The homemade wraps are made from chickpea flour and are made bright pink thanks to beets. The simple bean patties are full of flavor and filling protein and fiber. Serve these for an easy, light lunch or dinner!

8. Wood Fired Beet Salad With Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette 

These Wood Fired Beets are easy to make – just toss them on your grill. After the tender beets have been infused with a subtle, smoky flavor, finish the salad with petite greens and a zesty avocado-citrus vinaigrette. The colorful, healthy beets are perfectly complimented by this zesty vinaigrette.

9. Beet Tacos With Mung Beans With Blackened Tofu, Radish Slaw, and Crispy Corn

These Beet Tacos tick all the boxes. Smoky? Check! Spicy? Check! A little bit crispy? Check! Totally fun to look at and eat? Double check. Yes, these crispy tofu with crisp slaw, mung beans, and corn wrapped up in a vibrant homemade beet tortilla are all that and more. Dig in!

10. Roasted Beet Soup

On their own, beets have a wonderful, earthy, sweet flavor that is only enhanced by rotating. In this recipe for Roasted Beet Soup, roasted beets are puréed with carrots, parsnip, aromatics garlic, and fresh dill in a savory, tomato-based broth. The soup is light, yet filling, and especially delightful when paired with a dollop of vegan sour cream.

11. Crispy Curried Broccoli and Beet Croquettes

Crispy Curried Broccoli Beet Croquettes are the perfect vegan snack food. These fingers are the best way to sneak up the vegetables in your child’s diet. And they also make a great finger food for any party or get-together.

12. Mushroom and Root Vegetable Stew

This warming, hearty Mushroom and Root Vegetable Stew is inspired by the classic boeuf bourguignon. A variety of beets — red, chiogga, and yellow — are simmered with carrots and Jerusalem artichoke. As the root vegetables simmer, onions are fried until tender and then stirred into the broth.

13. Lentil and Beet Meatballs With Pasta

For this recipe for Lentil and Beet Meatballs With Pasta, the crimson vegetable, along with red lentils, onions, spices, and bread crumbs, are formed into veggie meatballs. Place them atop a bed of hot spaghetti and just like that, you have a simple yet hearty dinner.

14. Roasted Root Fries With Cheesy Dip 

Craving fries? These Roasted Root Fries are deliciously savory, crispy, and guilt-free! They simply need to be tossed with some olive oil and herbs, and then roasted in the oven. Pair them with a cheesy, cashew dip and we guarantee you’ll be craving this veggie-centric snack over and over again!

15. Oregano Olive Oil Beet Chips 

Getting sick of plain old bagged potato chips? Try making these crispy oven-baked Oregano Olive Oil Beet Chips at home! They’re made with just three ingredients and so versatile – you can season the chips any way you like.

Not sure how to properly cook root vegetables? Check out this guide on How to Roast Root Vegetables which can be found by downloading the Food Monster App, that is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead image source: Roasted Root Fries