I know what you’re thinking—beets in pasta? Sounds a little crazy, right? But hear me out: beets are an unsung hero when it comes to supporting hormone health, and they make an absolutely stunning sauce for pasta. Not only are they packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, but they’re also a fantastic ally for women’s health.
Beets are rich in antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They support a healthy gut microbiome, which helps reduce bloating and water retention. But the real magic? Beets are incredible for liver detoxification. Our liver processes and eliminates excess estrogen and other hormones from the body, and beets help boost that process, aiding in hormone balance. Plus, the nitrates in beets improve blood circulation and oxygenation, which can combat symptoms like fatigue and brain fog. If there’s ever a time to get creative with beets, it’s right after your menstrual cycle when your body could use the extra love.
If you’re not a fan of their earthy flavor, don’t worry—there are so many ways to incorporate them into your meals. Add roasted beets or beet powder to smoothies, toss them into salads with leafy greens and citrus dressings, or pair them with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or kale. My personal favorite? Blending them into a creamy pasta sauce.
Why Gluten-Free Pasta?
On my hormone health journey, I’ve been focusing on foods that help lower cortisol and stabilize blood sugar. High inflammation levels have been a challenge for me, so I’ve embraced gluten-free pasta as a way to enjoy the foods I love without the bloating and discomfort. Gluten-free options are easier on the gut and can support thyroid health, making this dish a win-win for taste and wellness.
How to Make My Beetroot Pasta
This dish is simple to whip up and full of flavor. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Roast the Beets (and Garlic!)
Start by washing your beets and poking a few holes in them with a knife so they roast faster. Wrap each beet in foil and pop them on a baking sheet in the oven until they’re fork-tender. If you love garlic as much as I do, this is the perfect time to roast some too. Just slice the top off a garlic head, drizzle with a neutral oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap it in foil to roast alongside the beets.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Once the beets are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins—they should slide right off. Toss the beets into a high-speed blender along with roasted garlic, fresh lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and any other seasonings you love. Lemon juice is key here because it balances the earthy beet flavor, and nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory note. If you want a nutty twist, throw in some Brazil nuts or pistachios for creaminess.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is blending, cook your gluten-free pasta. Make sure to follow the package instructions because gluten-free pasta can be finicky. Before it’s fully cooked, transfer the pasta to a saucepan with your beet sauce. Let the two simmer together on low heat until the pasta is perfectly al dente and coated in that velvety, magenta goodness.
The Perfect Toppings
Now, let’s talk toppings. To elevate this dish, I sprinkle it with nutritional yeast and shavings of Brazil nuts. These toppings are more than just pretty garnishes—they’re hormone helpers too!
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a cheesy, umami-packed addition that’s also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s loaded with B vitamins, especially B6, which is vital for regulating hormones and reducing PMS symptoms. B vitamins also support adrenal function, which helps your body manage stress better. And let’s not forget zinc and selenium, both of which are crucial for thyroid health. A sprinkle of this magic makes your pasta extra tasty and nourishing.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a superstar when it comes to hormone health. They’re rich in selenium, a mineral essential for thyroid function and hormone regulation. Your thyroid controls your metabolism and energy levels, so keeping it in check is key to feeling your best. Selenium also acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing inflammation and protecting your cells from damage. Just a few shavings of Brazil nuts add a delicious crunch and elevate the nutritional profile of this dish.
If you prefer to swap out Brazil nuts, try pistachios. They’re nutrient-dense and provide a rich, buttery flavor, but keep in mind they’re also nuts, so they’re not suitable for a nut-free version. If you need a nut-free option, consider toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower—they add crunch and a boost of nutrients.
Make it Your Own!
The beauty of this beetroot pasta is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t love the earthy flavor of beets? Add more lemon juice or nutritional yeast. Want a nut-free version? Skip the Brazil nuts and try sesame seeds for a similar crunch and flavor. You can even garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
This dish is creamy, savory, and so satisfying without leaving you feeling heavy or bloated. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients that support your hormones and overall health. It’s the perfect way to enjoy pasta while nourishing your body.
So, there you have it—a hormone-boosting, vibrant beetroot pasta that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own. Enjoy!
Creamy Beetroot Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 High-Speed Blender
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Pot For boiling pasta
- Foil
Ingredients
- 2 small beets (or 1 large)
- 6 oz. gluten-free pasta
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast Reserve some for topping
- 1/2 lemon
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk or heavy cream
- 4-5 Brazil nuts or your choice
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Wash and peel beets. Poke a few holes in each and slice off both ends of the beets so they are exposed. Wrap with foil and place on a baking sheet
- If you want roasted garlic, slice the bottom from an entire bulb of garlic, dust lightly with a neutral oil, add salt and wrap in foil and add to oven with beets
- Roast for 20-25 minutes. Garlic may be done before beets so prepare to take it out earlier
- Once beets are done, and to a high speed blender along with nutritional yeast, juice of the lemon, garlic cloves, and milk and blend until smooth. Make sure to add a milk sparingly as you want to keep the pasta sauce creamy.
- Pour beet sauce into a saucepan and set aside
- Cook pasta. Take out a few minutes earlier to allow for full cook once in the sauce
- Add pasta to sauce and carefully coat pasta. Simmer on low heat until pasta is al dente.
- Top with shaved Brazil nuts and nutritional yeast. Enjoy!
