October 13, 2012

Balsamic Beet Salad with Walnuts


This recipe is inspired by one from PCC, one of my favorite grocery stores in Seattle. Yes, I have favorite grocery stores. Actually, I get really excited to go to locally-owned grocery stores when I’m traveling to new cities, particularly to see their produce and their prepared food departments! 
Beets are amazing! I’ve never really tasted beets until I moved west and ate at PCC’s deli, and since then I was hooked. The dressing of balsamic, Dijon and lemon is the perfect combo. So here it is…one of my favorite beet recipes!
Serves 4-6


Ingredients:

8 medium size beets
½ c walnuts
¼ red onion, sliced thinly
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ lemon, juiced
½ tsp T black pepper
½ bunch green onions, diced
 

Directions:

In a small bowl, soak the sliced red onion in the balsamic vinegar, mixing occasionally. Set aside.

Wash the beets and cut off their cut off root and stem ends. Steam beets on the stovetop until they are tender when poked with a fork tender. This is usually about 35-45 minutes depending on their size. When they’re done put them into a colander or bowl in the sink to run a little cold water over them. Using your hands peel of the beet skins under cool, running water while beets are still warm. Cut peeled beets into 1-inch wedges, preserving their round shape. You may want to wait for beets to cool before cutting them.

To toast walnuts, preheat oven to 350° F. Spread nuts on a cookie sheet and toast for about 4 to 5 minutes, until you can smell their aroma. Let cool.

Pull the onions out of the vinegar and add them to the beets. Then add mustard, lemon juice and pepper to vinegar. Whisk together until dressing is blended. Add dressing to the beets and toss well. Break up toasted walnuts. Garnish beets with walnuts and green onion. 


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