Beet Sliders

Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 60 Min
Ready In: 1 Hr 20 Min

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound red beets (approximately five 2-inch beets), with greens removed
• 1 tablespoon pickling spices
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
• 16 slider buns
• 1 cup chimichurri
• Arugula or mixed greens

Directions:

1. Place the beets and pickling spices in a large saucepan filled with just enough water to cover. Add vinegar or lemon juice to prevent beets from "bleeding." Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 45-60 minutes). Rinse beets immediately under cold water. Peel the beets when they are cool enough to handle. Use a cookie cutter or other circle form to cut beet circles to fit the buns, each about 1.5 inches thick.
2. Spread bottom half of each bun with a generous amount of chimichurri. Top with a beet slice and spread more chimichurri on top of the beet. Top with arugula.
3. Stick a toothpick into each slider to secure the ingredients in place
4. Note: This offers a hearty tasting sandwich for vegetarians or others who want a break from meat and cholesterol.

Recipe adapted from Franci Cohen, personal trainer, certified nutritionist and exercise physiologist.