Moroccan Beet Greens Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Fry

by: Silly Apron

January28,2014

5

2 Ratings

  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 20 minutes
  • Serves 2

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

This is similar to a Moroccan appetizer that is made normally with a green called "Bakoula". I like to use beets in salads, and I save the green leaves for this dish. It reminds me of my grandmother -- may God rest her soul. —Silly Apron

Test Kitchen Notes

One always needs more ways to consume beet greens. Same goes for preserved lemons. Silly apron's recipe provides both, tied together with a bit of smoky paprika. Most of all, we love that it can easily transition from side dish to main course with the addition of some rice and a fried egg. —The Editors

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 3 bunchesbeet greens, red stems removed
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil for cooking
  • 1/4 teaspooncumin
  • 1/4 teaspoonpaprika
  • 1 pinchsalt (no more)
  • 1/4 piecepreserved lemon
  • 1 tablespoongood olive oil
  • 1 pinchcrushed pepper flakes (or chili powder, or paprika if you don't like spice)
  • 2 piecescloves of garlic grated
  • 1 tablespoonchopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoonchopped parsley
Directions
  1. Wash the greens well and leave them in a bowl full of cold clean water.
  2. Gently heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a sauce pan. When it is just warm, add the grated garlic, cumin, and paprika. If the oil is too, hot they will fry and burn. What we want is just a little reaction to the heat.
  3. Immediately remove the greens from the water, without draining. Place them on a chopping board, and chop them coarsely, then add them to the pan. Turn the heat to medium and give everything one good stir to coat the greens with the spices.
  4. Cover tightly, and turn down the heat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. You might want to check on it once before the end to make sure it doesn't burn. If you're worried it will burn, just add a little water.
  5. Meanwhile, take a quarter of a preserved lemon (do not wash it), and cut it into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside a couple for decoration. Uncover the cooking pan and add the preserved lemon cubes and the chopped cilantro and parsley. Stir everything together. Cover and let it cook for 5 more minutes, then remove from the heat.
  6. When serving, drizzle about one tablespoon of a good olive oil over the greens. Garnish with the preserved lemon cubes you reserved, and sprinkle on the chili pepper powder.
  7. This goes so well with a fried egg. It is usually eaten with bread. Bon Appètit!

Tags:

  • Moroccan
  • Cilantro
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Parsley
  • Vegetable
  • Make Ahead
  • Fry
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Vegetarian
  • Appetizer
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Dark, Leafy Greens

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15 Reviews

KareK November 14, 2021

Delicious. I used thinly sliced, chopped fresh lemon instead of the preserved and that worked in a pinch.

bickybee April 26, 2020

Loved it!

Loralee S. June 21, 2019

This was delicious! I made it exactly as written, although next time I think I will add some plumped raisins to it; I think a little sweetness would really complement the bitter. I had it with some nice bread toasted and buttered and two fried eggs for dinner tonight.

For "Southern Style" without pork: If you eat meat, substitute smoked turkey ( good butcher departments will have a smoked turkey leg.) or if you are vegetarians used smoked paprika and a good olive oil to drizzle on top.

DeVora February 8, 2018

My husband disliked this recipe and said he likes the Southern style greens. Need a recipe without pork.

A.O. March 29, 2015

Stephanie - You can slice them the way you like.

Stephanie March 29, 2015

for the preserved lemons are they sliced in wheel shape, how thick and I am assuming submerged in liquid-cant wait to try

Durhamhp March 30, 2014

if I want to make this today and don't have preserved lemons made, any suggestions for replacement? I know it won't be "the same," but maybe some zest instead?

Silly A. March 30, 2014

What you are looking for is some acidity so I suggest you use olives and finish with some lemon juice or even vinegar. Sorry I am not sure about the exact amounts but you can start with 1tsp and add more to taste. Vinegar is surprisingly good with this!

Silly A. March 5, 2014

Good question! A lightly packed 1T is good :)

SFCohen March 5, 2014

Since lemons vary so much in size, about how much preserved lemon is "1/4 piece"? 1t or 1T?

Silly A. March 5, 2014

Mine are 2 years old, and they're still good! I use organic lemons, sea salt, and a liquid made of half lemon juice, half water. I store them in the fridge, and I always follow my mom's advice (the only one I follow) to never use my fingers to get them out of the jar.

delicia.sampson.7 March 5, 2014

Do preserved lemons ever go bad?

David L. February 26, 2014

After reading, the Beets got the rest beat. I will try it soon especially since I just completed a batch of Preserved Lemons using Meyers, but also it seems less silly than the others. My one concern is the cilantro cooking for five minutes. My experience is cilantro looses its wonder with to much heat.

Silly A. February 26, 2014

Good point about cilantro! I should try to add it at the end next time to compare. In Morocco, when you are at the market, you can smell cilantro from a distance, and the flavor is too strong for a garnish, that's maybe why it is always cooked in traditional Moroccan cuisine. If you ever try the recipe let me know what you think!

Moroccan Beet Greens Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat beet greens? ›

Beet greens have oodles of nutritional value, from fiber and protein to vitamins C, K, and B9. You can eat beet greens raw or cooked. No matter how you choose to chow down, you could enjoy health perks like a stronger immune system, healthier teeth, and a healthier digestive tract.

Should you eat the stems of beet greens? ›

Use the stems as well as the leaves.

Like Swiss chard, beet leaves have crisp, edible stems that add color and crunch to any beet greens recipe. Don't toss them! Finely dice them and cook them right along with the leaves.

Do beet greens lose nutrients when cooked? ›

Beet greens are packed with nutrients and easy to add to practically any meal. Since their flavor profile is mild, they won't overpower a dish. Just remember, if you choose to cook them, don't overdo it. A simple saute or steaming will do the trick without losing the nutrients.

Can you eat beet greens without cooking them? ›

Beet greens and stems are 100% edible, (why wouldn't they be?) and can be eaten raw or cooked. And they are just about the easiest side dish recipe you could ever wish for on a weeknight.

How do you get the bitterness out of beet greens? ›

5 Ways to Tame Bitter Greens
  1. Blanch the greens first. Once, I decided to skip a step and not blanch the broccoli rabe for a pasta dish. ...
  2. Add strongly flavored ingredients. Fight bitterness with other flavors like sweetness and spice. ...
  3. Add acid. ...
  4. Use salt. ...
  5. Braise them.
May 1, 2019

Are beet greens anti inflammatory? ›

Antioxidant-Rich: Beet greens are packed with antioxidants that support overall health, protect against oxidative stress, and help reduce inflammation in the body. Heart Health Support: The presence of dietary nitrates in beet greens may promote healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular well-being.

Can you eat too many beet greens? ›

Beet greens are very high in dietary nitrates, which can cause harmful health effects when consumed at excessive levels. High amounts of nitrate have been associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer (16).

Can I freeze beet greens? ›

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beet greens, along with mustard and turnip greens freeze well for year-round enjoyment.

What is the difference between beetroot and beet greens? ›

Beetroots are a good source of riboflavin as well as folate, manganese, and the antioxidant betaine. Beet greens are a source of riboflavin, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Which is healthier, beet greens or spinach? ›

Beet greens have a similar colorful look as swiss chard and can be consumed in much of the same way. They also are very high in iron with a higher iron count than spinach as well as vitamin K, B6, magnesium and potassium.

Are beet greens healthier than kale? ›

They're far more delicious than those of kale and collards. They're also more nutritious. Beet greens are some of the most nutrient-rich greens around, containing more antioxidants and other phytonutrients than the bulbous roots themselves, according to Jo Robinson, author of Eating On The Wild Side.

Are cooked beets a laxative? ›

Ultimately, the fiber from beets adds bulk to stool while also softening it, decreasing the chance of constipation. Or, if you tend to have loose and watery stools, the fiber may aid in solidifying stool as it absorbs water and adds bulk.

What is the best way to eat beet leaves? ›

Blanch the lightly salted beet greens, drain well, and chop coarsely. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Stir in the greens until they're evenly coated with oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.

Do you eat the red stems of beet greens? ›

Beet greens are the scarlet stems and the green leaves attached to them. They are completely edible and have a flavor like Swiss chard (and many other dark greens) but sweeter.

How do you clean beet greens? ›

Because beet leaves can be sandy, always wash them well in a large basin or bowl of water, swirling vigorously to dislodge any soil. Rinse them and then swirl them again in clean water. Now they are ready to use. At this stage you can also save them for a few days, wrapped well and kept cold in the refrigerator.

What is the most beneficial way to eat beets? ›

Eating beets raw or juicing and roasting them may be more beneficial than boiling them. Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are a vibrant and versatile type of vegetable. They're known for their earthy flavor and aroma. Many people call them a superfood because of their rich nutritional profile.

How do you get the most nutrients out of beets? ›

Steaming beets is a healthful cooking method because they retain most of their vitamins and minerals—they're not boiled out in water—and stay incredibly vibrant. Plus, steaming small beets or beet quarters is quick and easy for weeknights.

Are beets better for you raw or cooked? ›

However, most Americans don't get enough fiber, and beets are a good source of the insoluble type, which helps keep you regular and full longer than beet juice. Raw beets contain more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than cooked beets (yes, you can eat beets raw!).

What is healthier beet greens or spinach? ›

Beet greens have a similar colorful look as swiss chard and can be consumed in much of the same way. They also are very high in iron with a higher iron count than spinach as well as vitamin K, B6, magnesium and potassium. They are also a great source of fiber.

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