Where's the BEEF? I mean...the BEETS!

I love beets.  But growing up, I always thought they only came in a can.  Don't laugh.  My mom is Japanese, okay??  Not a lot of communication in the pantry department!  Anyway, when I started working for Be Wise Ranch, a local organic grower in San Diego, they would give me a box of produce every week as a bonus.  One day, that box included beets.  So...I get it now.

I made this the other night.  It was so warming it made me wish it were colder out...

Vegan Borscht


1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, sliced thinly into half-moons
4 medium sized carrots, grated
5 small beets, peeled and grated
2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1 bay leaf
2 Tbs brown rice syrup
6 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth (or Water + 4 tsp Better Than Bouillon Reduced Sodium Vegetable Base)
1/2 large head or 1 small head of cabbage, thinly shredded
3 large red potatoes, skin left on, diced
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
juice of 1 lemon

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and saute onions, carrots and beets until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.  Stir in the garlic, bay leaf and brown rice syrup and cook for 1 minute.  Add broth, cabbage, potatoes, and season with pepper.  Simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.  Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and lemon juice.  Add salt as needed.  Ladle soup into bowls and dollop with vegan sour cream.

Tip: If you like things a little spicy...add a teaspoon or two of cayenne before simmering.

Now, a question for you guys.  Would you rather see a recipe for Yellow Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup or Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup tomorrow?  I'm making one of these tonight and can't decide which.  Help!

Be Wise Ranch - CSA

Look at this gorgeous head of lettuce!

And I don't call many foods gorgeous...

It comes from one of our local farms in San Diego - Be Wise Ranch.  They have a program called CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where you can receive a box of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables every week or every other week.  They have locations all around San Diego so most likely you can find a pickup location that's close to you.  I used to work for Be Wise so I'm kind of partial...but their produce is amazing (maybe you've already been buying their stuff at Jimbo's?) and the people who work there are quite wonderful too.

If you don't live here in San Diego, check your area for CSA programs around you.  Or visit your local farmer's market for some local, seasonal goodies!

Oh.  Did you want to know what I did with that gorgeous head of lettuce?  

I made this awesome salad:

Salad:

1 head red leaf lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/8 cup thinly sliced red onion

8 red radishes, thinly sliced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp salt

generous amount of freshly ground pepper

juice of 2 small lemons

2-3 tsp maple syrup (adjust to your taste)

Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.  In a seperate smaller bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until combined and slightly thickened.  Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.  Serve immediately.

Update:

Just picked up my box of Be Wise Ranch produce and had to share!

We're talking beets, two types of oranges, some more of that gorgeous red leaf lettuce, red potatoes, apples, bok choy, leeks, red radishes, strawberries, collards, green kale, butternut squash and a grapefruit!  All organic.  I'm such a health food nerd.