Healthy, cozy red velvet hot chocolate just in time for Valentine’s Day. Made with detoxifying beets, nourishing cacao powder, and naturally sweetened with mineral-rich dates.
While the beet/chocolate combination might be new to you, I think you’re going to love it. The beet taste is subtle but somehow goes perfectly with the deep chocolate flavor… and it gives the drink that color – worth it for that alone. 😍
Beets are one of the world’s most underrated superfoods. They’re especially detoxifying for the liver, which is responsible for more than 500 bodily functions (!). My favorite way to cook them is in the Instant Pot (no mess!), but if you’re short on time you could always buy pre-cooked beets in the produce section of most grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s.
Raw cacao powder has many health benefits too. It’s different from regular cocoa powder because it hasn’t been heated, which means that all the healthy enzymes are still present. Cacao is full of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and calcium and contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is sometimes known as the “love drug,” having been shown to boost mood.
Although maca powder is totally optional in this recipe, I like to add it in for an extra superfood boost. Maca is an adaptogen that is high in antioxidants, can enhance memory and mood, and has been shown to balance hormones in some women.
Make this red velvet hot chocolate extra special by serving it with coconut whipped cream, topping with some cacao nibs, and maybe a side of these vegan chocolate raspberry truffles. ❤️
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Red Velvet Beetroot Hot Chocolate
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Description
Red velvet beetroot hot chocolate! A delicious, healthy winter drink. Made with raw cacao powder, cooked beets, creamy dairy-free milk, and naturally sweetened with dates. Add in maca powder for an adaptogenic healthy boost.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice
- 1/2 medium cooked beet
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 2–4 pitted Medjool dates, depending on desired sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon maca powder, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat until mixture reaches desired temperature.
- Divide between two large mugs and top with toppings, like coconut whipped cream, cacao nibs, or extra cinnamon, if using. Enjoy!
Keywords: beetroot hot chocolate, beet hot chocolate, red velvet hot chocolate, healthy hot chocolate
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Jacqueline says
Could I make this and just drink it cold!? Like a smoothie!? I want to make it at work but I wonder if I used our steam machine that we use for lattes etc if that would work to heat this!?
Ally Milligan says
I don’t see why not! I’ve never tried it cold, but I think it could be good. And I’m not too familiar with steam machines, but sounds like that could work too! Let me know!
christi says
how do you cook the beets in your instant pot?
Ally Milligan says
Hi Christi! I trim and scrub 1 lb of beets, add 1 cup of water to the instant pot, and place the beets on the wire rack. Then cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes (25 if they’re larger beets) and then release the pressure manually. That method has always worked for me!